Shirley Irene Johnson

Shirley Irene Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on September 17, 1949, in Houston, Texas to the late Shirley and Luke Johnson. Shirley graduated from Lamar High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

During her life, Shirley was a loving, fun and gregarious person that never met a stranger. Most recently during her treatments at Baylor Cancer Center, she spoke to every person she came across, frequently comparing notes and sharing support.

Most of her professional career was spent in the Human Resource Department at Methodist Hospital. Later in life, she found work doing one of the things she most enjoyed, caring for dogs. She was a dog sitter to many and referred to them all as “her” dogs. She lovingly referred to the dogs she shared with her late husband, Norman, as “her children”.

She was a fitness enthusiast and referred to herself as a “gym rat” and loved active vacations, especially snowshoeing in the mountains. She was also passionate about sports, especially football. She would strike up a conversation with anyone about the latest games, especially those of her hometown heroes, The Texans, Astros and Rockets. She could give you the name of almost any player, their position and their history.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband and “prince” Norman Chanin; grandparents, Irene and Jack Roach Sr.; parents, Shirley and Luke Johnson Sr.; brother, Luke Johnson Jr. Those left to cherish her memory are her twin sister, Sharon Johnson Starr; brother, Buck Johnson (Patty); niece Kari Beck (David); stepdaughter, Erica Cozewith (Andy) and her beloved grandnieces Emmy Irene Beck and Lily Frances Beck. Shirley was also the proud grandmother of Harrison and Henry Leusink and Leah and Rachel Cozewith. She is also survived by the children and grandchildren of her late brother, Luke Johnson Jr: Luke Johnson III (Jenny), Peter Johnson (Erika), Wirt Johnson, Seth Johnson and Kaleta Johnson as well as Thomas, Wyatt, William and Allie Johnson.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be given to any dog shelter or rescue league in honor of Shirley’s love of dogs.

A private family service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery officiated by Reverend Doug Richnow of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church.