Shirley Johnson

1937 - 2022

Shirley Ann Johnson was welcomed into this world, March 3, 1937 to Buford C. and Margaret Glenn Johnson in Rowan County. Shirley was raised by her grandparents, Emmanuel and Della Muskelly Glenn. Shirley was educated in the Rowan County Schools. She graduated 1954 from Price High School, salutatorian of her class. She continued her studies at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, graduating in 1958. Shirley's career in education spanned 34 years. Following several years as a teacher, Shirley became community relations specialist for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Shirley was employed with the Charlotte Observer part-time in the newsroom as a copy editor and reporter. She was the first black female to be employed by the Observer on the professional staff. While employed, she worked on special projects, covered breaking news stories, wrote obituaries, edited copy, wrote headlines and wrote op-ed pieces. This job provided her with practical experience as a high school journalism teacher. Shirley also worked with the YWCA of Central Carolinas as Vice President for Public Relations. She served as spokesperson for the organization, developed policy and procedures, programs marking plans. Shirley advised the executive board regarding public relations policy, developed special programs, events and activities, and worked cooperatively with other executive officers, board of directors, community links, state and national YWCAs, etc. to develop and promote Y programs. Shirley always gave back to the community by serving on numerous boards and organizations in various capacities. Among the many organizations she worked tirelessly in the Salisbury-Rowan- Davie Chapter of the Livingstone College Alumni Association and the Salisbury Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Shirley received numerous awards, certificates, and recognitions during her career. She joined First Calvary Baptist at an early age and actively involved in the church. She was former chairperson and current member of Missionary Unit #135, former chairperson of the Black History Committee, the Legacy Observance Committee, member of the Vacation Bible School Committee, General Missionary Organization, Bible Study groups, and writer of church resolutions, news releases and other public relations activities as requested. Those left to celebrate her life are her caretaker and cousin, Verlon O. Anderson (Jeryl); first cousins, Charles Pete Hardin (Barbara), Mary Hardin, Betty Easley, Ann Adams, Wilma Wilson, Robert Miller, Bobby Wilkerson (Kay), Laura Graves (William), Bennie Wilkerson (Joyce), Vickey Griffith (Arnold), and Lanita Walker; sisters by choice, Vivian Ross Nivens, Earle Smith, Dee Dee Wright, Brenda Fromberger; godsons, Michael Neely and Neil Nivens, and a host of other close relatives and friends. Our special thanks go to her dedicated care takers Patricia Ramseur and Barbara Burnett. Thank you to Elder Orphan Care and Hospice for all the care, support, and assistance. Also, special thanks to her buddies Patricia Cowan and Melba Allen. Arrangements: Public Walk Thru Friday, July 8, from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be Saturday, July 9, at First Calvary Baptist Church with the Omega Omega Service by the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc at 12 p.m., Visitation at 12:30 p.m., and Funeral at 1 p.m. Burial following service at Oakwood Cemetery. Reverend Dr. Barbara Hart, Associate Pastor, Officiating and Reverend Leamon Brown, Eulogist. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Johnson Family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.