Sharlese Reneé Johnson

Sharlese Reneé Johnson, 58, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away unexpectedly March 7, 2025, at a local nursing home. She was born on November 28, 1966, to Roland H. Johnson and the late Shirley J. Johnson. Sharlese's life was defined by her passion for education, the arts, and her commitment to those around her. From a young age, she demonstrated a remarkable talent for music. During her elementary school years, she received formal clarinet lessons and quickly advanced to become a standout performer. She was selected to be part of Fort Wayne's Middle Schools All-City Orchestra, and her musical journey continued through high school at Northrop High School, where she was an integral part of the State Champion marching band, concert band, and orchestra. Sharlese went on to pursue her education at Indiana University, where she earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree. As an educator, she dedicated her career to helping students with learning disabilities. Sharlese had a profound love for the arts. She was an avid traveler, a collector of art, and a talented creator of ceramic jewelry. Music was a significant part of her life; she appreciated a wide range of genres, from jazz to gospel, pop to classical. Sharlese's love for the arts also extended to theater, where she was a dedicated patron of both local Civic productions and Broadway shows. Sharlese was deeply involved in her community and was a proud member of several organizations, including Jack and Jill of America (Fort Wayne Chapter), The Links, Inc. (Fort Wayne Chapter), the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Friends, and the National Education Association, among others. Sharlese was a kind and generous person, always eager to lend a helping hand to others. Whether it was through her work as an educator, her commitment to community organizations, or simply by being a thoughtful friend. To know Sharlese was to love her. Sharlese was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Shirley Johnson. She is survived by her loving father, Roland H. Johnson; aunts, Devora Moore, and Debra (Roy) Few; cousins Kerwin Hogg, Yalonda Pierce, Joshua (Veronica) Moore, Anshan (Rob) Eckard, PhD, Ann (Walker) Beverly, and Carolyn Dimond; as well as uncles and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Private services will be held in the future to honor the life and legacy of Sharlese. The Johnson family kindly requests respect for their privacy during this time of mourning. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.