In Memoriam : Shirley Johnson

Shirley Ann Johnson - age: 87
(July 27, 1935 to April 17, 2023 )
Resident of Exeter, California

Visitation Information:
A Memorial Graveside will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Mountain Cemetery at 42088 Rd 100, Dinuba, CA 93618.

Obituary:
Our wonderful mother Shirley Ann Johnson has left our side to fly with the angels in heaven. She passed
away at home in Exeter California on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the age of 87. She had been recovering
from a fall when God felt he needed to bring her to His home.
Shirley was born on July 27, 1935 in Oberlin, Kansas to Byron and Mildred Taylor. She was number 6 of 9
children, the youngest girl of the brood. Her sisters were a bit older than her, so she spent a lot of time
with her brothers. They were thick as thieves, but her brothers definitely made sure she was always
protected and wasn’t the one to get in trouble. Some of her favorite memories are walking down their
long driveway from school, and smelling the homemade bread that her mom made. Thick warm bread
slathered with butter and jam was the best.
One of Shirley’s best friends when she was in high school was a classmate named Laverne. They were
the original Laverne and Shirley! Although she didn’t work in a brewery, she did spend some time
working in a winery as a lab technician. Her true calling though was nursing, and she was a Licensed
Practical Nurse for more than 20 years at Sierra View Hospital in Reedley. She was so compassionate
when helping people, always trying to make sure they were comfortable and cared for.
Shirley began doing some traveling as she got older, but she was scared to death to fly. She finally got on
an airplane when she was around 70. But, turns out she preferred terra firma, and her remaining trips
were all on the train or in a car. She tried it though, and lived to tell the tale! Once the travel bug left
her, she was happiest at home watching California Gold with Huell Howser, eating Chile Relleno’s and
loving up on her pup Buster. He was her constant companion until he passed shortly before her.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Cheryl Howard and her husband Gary; their children Kellan and
Kaylene Howard, and Karlie Conner and her husband Noah; her sons Rodney Johnson and Jerry Johnson.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Shirley was the last of the Taylor siblings.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Harold Johnson, and her second husband Billy Jack Collins. Her
siblings Dorothy Jones, Darlene Knoy, Patricia Glenn, Richard Taylor, George Taylor, Tommy Taylor,
William Taylor and Byron Taylor also predeceased her.
Services will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba
California. Shirley will be placed to rest with her parents Byron and Mildred.
“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand. That an angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, and that I’d have to
leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heavens Gates, I felt so much at home,
for God looked down, smiled at me, and told me “Welcome Home.” So when tomorrow starts without
me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”