Shirley N. Johnson was born April 17, 1938, in Tiplersville, Mississippi to Billie Robinson and Frank Johnson. She was preceded in death by: her parents; four brothers, Carey Johnson, Frank Johnson Jr., Carlin Johnson, Antonio Johnson; and one sister, Johnnie Cathey.

Shirley is survived by: three sons, Randy (Carol) Garrett, Rickey (Chalanda) Garrett and Reggie (Stacey) Lloyd; one daughter, Katricia R. Garrett; one sister, Martha Jackson; eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who were touched by her loving spirit.

Shirley loved music, singing, and shopping. She attended public school in Walnut, Mississippi. She was on the girls’ basketball team. She still loved basketball; she purchased her most recent basketball in 2023. She always enjoyed bouncing, throwing, and catching the ball.

Shirley always had an eye for detail. She started her employment career at Blue Bell in Mississippi as a seamstress, making blue jeans. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1968. Shirley was hired as a seamstress within the first week after arriving in St. Louis. She was making purses and diaper bags at Spielberg and H. Daust Companies.

She attended South County Technical School for Machine Shop and Kirkwood Technical School for Blueprint reading. She completed school and worked as a precision machinist at Alvey Inc. and Essex Industries. She retired for a while. Then she re-entered the workforce, working at Barnes Jewish Hospital for over thirteen years. She retired for the second time on her 79th Birthday, April 17, 2017.