Shirley A. Johnson
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Shirley Ann (Shepard) Johnson, 86, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020 at her home in Independence, MO. Shirley (Shirle) was born on June 15, 1934 in Boonville, MO to Louis and Lillian Shepard. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1952 and remained in Boonville until she married. She met her husband Bob on a blind date and following a short courtship, they were married August 13, 1960 in Oelwein, Iowa. She often shared her love story with family, and would tell them, “When this girl decides she wants something, she goes out and gets it!” They were happily married for 55 years until she was widowed in 2015. She and Bob raised their family in Raytown, MO where they developed many life-long friendships. She spent countless hours volunteering for the PTA, attending her children’s sporting events, and socializing with her tightknit neighborhood community. Shirle loved her job as school secretary for Westridge Elementary where she remained until she and Bob retired to the Lake of the Ozarks. She cherished her time at the lake, spending hours basking in the sun, boating, and entertaining friends and family. Shirle was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, and friend. She never missed an opportunity to gather, and she could turn any event into a great time. Her laugh was infectious, and she told fantastic stories. Shirle would drop everything to spend time with her loved ones. Her grandkids described her as compassionate, feisty, and perfect counsel when they needed a boost. Shirle was a master at Bridge and until very recently she enjoyed being a part of several bridge clubs each week. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, gentle nature, and genuine love of others.
Shirle is survived by her two children, Greg Johnson and wife Staci of Charlotte, NC; daughter Julie and husband Brad Smith of Independence, MO; grandchildren Blake, Chad and Alex Johnson & Lindsay, Joshua (and Tylar) and Noah Smith. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Drumm Farm Center for Children, 3210 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the loving caregivers at Ascend Hospice.
Visits: 9
I will always remember Shirley was the first to welcome me to the neighborhood (Country Meadows Villas) the day I moved into a house just a short walk from her house. She was always a pleasure to visit with and I took advantage of that whenever the opportunity seemed to work out! I will miss her and I will think of her. I know her family and many friends will miss her. She was always gracious and welcoming! My condolences –
Shirle was a treasured classmate to all of us in the Class of 1952 at Boonville High School. She attended almost all of our reunions and we all had great fun sharing memories of our high school days. Our sympathy to the family from all of her classmates. She was an outstanding person and a good friend. Godspeed Shirle.
WOW!!!
What a loss for the world!!!
I think she was one of my first dates! She lived on Spruce(?) Street with her mom. I remember walking to her house with a corsage. Since it’s only been about 75 years ago there is a slight chance I have forgotten! Later her mother took over managing the 7th street apartments and she lived across the street from me. We lived at 804 7th. We got together and studied several times with 3 or 4 of us including Betty Schwartz. They both were always a delight!! Laughed easily and loved much!
Marcia and I drove up from Muskogee to Bob’s funeral thinking she might need some support from old friends only to discover she had a HORDE of friends there to support her!!! I guess we should have known that she would have. I have nothing but VERY fond memories of Shirle! Another one of the many VERY GREAT members of the 1952 class of Boonville High!