Shirley Johnson's Obituary
Today we celebrate the homegoing of Shirley Ada Johnson. Shirley was
born to the union of Albert and Florence Pratt on November 20, 1932 in
Saint Louis, Missouri. Shirley was the eldest of five children, Bernard,
James, Albert and Carol Pratt.
She confessed her love of Christ at an early age and was baptized. She
enjoyed regularly visiting churches, but was a long-standing member of
Sutter Presbyterian Church, led by Pastor William McConkey.
In 1951, Shirley married Thomas Strode and from that union three girls
were born, Gail (Larry Graham), Sharon (Edward Loper) and Tamara
(Manasseh Bartley). In 1968, she married Eugene McKnight and from this
union, her son Eugene McKnight, Jr. (Kelly Chapman, Venus Harris,
Talisha McKnight, Icyline Johnson) was born. In 1978, she married Ivory
Johnson and he brought into her life four amazing stepchildren, Marilyn,
Michael, Patricia, and Debra.
We all knew there was nothing she would not do for us. She was fun,
funny and she was truly something special. Knowing the heavy burden
and sadness her children would face upon her death and always thinking
of others first, she took the time to write, in her words, her obituary. We
would like to share what she wrote, as written on December 2, 1996 --
Mom fought a good fight of faith and never took her eyes off Christ. God
heard her cry and called her home at 10:00 a.m. on December 30, 2020.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bernard, James and Albert
Pratt; her children, Sharon Loper and Eugene McKnight, Jr. and her
granddaughter, Tashea Loper. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: nine
grandchildren ~ Aleia, Eugene, Kelcie, Shani, Tayler, Ameenah, Atiyah and
Amaris; five great grandchildren ~ Tyrone, Jabaree, Kyler, Milan and Elias;
and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
