Shirley E. Johnson, Greenfield, IN, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was 74 years old. Shirley was born in Indianapolis, IN to her parents Lester James and Opal May Rice.
Shirley worked a variety of jobs during her life to provide for her family; including working as a server, a bartender, cashier, and a sodderer. Shirley was a member of Blessings of Love Church on the south side and Real-Life Church in Greenfield. She was heavily involved in the churches and was known to participate in prayer groups and Sunday school. Shirley was a selfless and generous person who always strived to help others in any way she could; she served food in homeless shelters, gave rides to kids who needed them, taught bible lessons, wrote prisoners uplifting letters, and so much more. Her legacy of putting others before herself will be honored for years to come. Shirley was also a music lover. She knew how to play the piano and the guitar. She loved dancing and singing and memorized hundreds of lyrics during her life. Shirley was very family oriented and took it upon herself to arrange family reunions and get-togethers. She loved hosting events and bonfires for those closest to her. Shirley was always very determined in everything she did and will be remembered for stubbornly holding her ground when it counted. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.
Shirley is survived by her children, Angeleak (Jim) Abner, Ira (Tena Abney) Bennett, and Tina Smith; her grandchildren, Danielle (Jonathon) Alsup, Jason Jacobs, Kelsey Smith, Christian (Michelle) Abner, Cooper Dykes, Lillian Smith, and Landon Smith; her great grandchildren, Colton and John Luke; her brother, Delmer (Barbara) Rice; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Norma (Dick) Ellington, James (Reba) Rice, Patricia (Dale) Bay, Betty (Terry) Frith, and Michael Rice.
A visitation for Shirley will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:00 am. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 12:00 pm.
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to Wellspring Mental Health and Wellness Resource Center.