Shirley Mae Johnson

Shirley Mae Johnson, 87, passed away on January 27, 2015 with the love and care of family surrounding her. She was born the last of four children to parents Eaver and Clara Larson in Tooele, Utah on January 17, 1928. She married the love of her life, James M. Johnson, in the fall of 1944 and enjoyed 48 years of marriage until he passed away November 3, 1992.

Shirley is survived by her six daughters and their spouses: Tarrie Johnson Bracey, Marcia Lemon (James), Milisa Siemion (Stephen), Mary Monti (Charles), Carmel Leckenby (Tracy). & Zhon Marie Reed (Thomas).

In addition she has 36 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren, all of whom will remember her hugs, kisses, laughter, stories, songs and her love for God. Teaching came naturally to Shirley, especially when it came to her faith. All of her descendants have benefited from her example and teaching about how much God loves them. Her legacy is 100 direct descendants who continue to spread the good news to their children and their children’s children and all of God’s children along life’s path.

While their girls were still living at home, Shirley was a homemaker. She enjoyed keeping an orderly house, living simply while making the environment beautiful. Shirley never met a stranger and loved people of all ages. Her home was a welcome place to visit and she made adults and children feel truly comfortable in her presence. Later in life her talents were well matched to the work of designing closet systems for California Closets. Drawing a personalized closet design and providing maximum organization for each of her customers was her goal and her delight. Shirley Mae was a truly gifted woman whose heart was filled with gratitude until the very end.

A prayer vigil for Shirley will be held at St. George Byzantine Catholic Church, Olympia, WA from 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 6th until 7:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7th. Her funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lacey, WA, Saturday, February 7th at 9:00 a.m., preceded by the Rosary at 8:30 a.m.

A reception will follow in Sacred Heart’s Hallen Hall immediately following the Mass. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery, Federal Way, WA at 1:00 p.m.