SHIRLEY JOHNSON

SHIRLEY JOHNSON ALEXANDRIA, IN: Late Friday evening, March 7, 2025, Jesus embraced Shirley Ann (Leach) Johnson, 88, in her home following an extended illness. She was born on December 28, 1936, in Fairmount to Clarkson and Mary (Markins) Leach and has lived in Alexandria for most of her lifetime. She was a graduate of Alexandria High School-Class of 1954. In 1954, Shirley married the love of her life, John "Johnny" Johnson and they spent the next 64 years together, until Johnny passed in 2019. Shirley was a member of the Alexandria First Baptist Church where she has served as a deaconess, a Sunday School teacher and a Vacation Bible School leader. She was a member of the former Kappa Delta Phi sorority. Shirley devoted her life to the care and nurturing of her family and their home. She was an excellent cook, with too many specialties to name. Shirley was a skilled seamstress. She will be fondly remembered for her love of holidays, especially Christmas. Seasonal decorating, cooking and preparing for her family gave her a great deal of pleasure. Shirley was of a gentle spirit; her beautiful smile will be warmly and fondly remembered. Survivors: 2 Daughters-Julie (Shawn) Dietzen of Anderson, Lori (Stephen) Miller of Winona Lake Son-Mark (Kelly) Johnson of Pendleton 4 Grandchildren-John (Lindsay) Miller, David (Brittany) Stogner, Brandon Stogner and Lauren (Sam) Renz 6 Great-Grandchildren-Gwen Miller, Kingston Renz, Kyron Renz, Camden Renz, Coleson Renz and Hudson Stogner Brother-Tom (Judy) Leach of Anderson Several nieces and nephews and extended family She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband-John Johnson in 2019, a grandson-Jared Johnson, a nephew-Rex Leach. Services honoring Shirley's life, legacy and faith will take place at 2 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the Alexandria First Baptist Church, 2107 South Park Avenue with Pastor Michael Deutsch officiating. Interment will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. The family will receive friends after 12 Noon on Thursday at the First Baptist Church prior to the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alexandria First Baptist Church with envelopes available at the services. Shirley's care and service arrangements have been entrusted to the Owens Funeral Home in Alexandria. Online condolences: www.owensmemorialservices.com