Deacon Shirley Johnson, Jr.

Dea. Shirley Johnson Jr. was born March 8,1943 to the beautiful union of Shirley Johnson Sr. and Versie (Nelson) Johnson. “Jack” as he was affectionately known was the 5th child (3rd son) of 14 children. He attended Clow Training School and was salutatorian of the graduation class of 1961. He also attended Kansas City Junior college where he studied business. Being drafted into the United States Army at the ripe age of 25, he served his country during the Vietnam war. Shirley received Honorable Discharge January of 1967 receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Cross of Gallantry w/Palm.

After his service in the US Army, he returned home to Ozan, AR. There he met and married his bride Joella (Dixon) Johnson of Nashville, AR September 26, 1968. To this wonderful union came 8 wonderful children. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri he worked at Ford Motor Company and later worked for John Deere as a warehouseman for 35 years bringing him into retirement.

Dea. Johnson gave his life to Christ at and early at St. Peter AME of Ozan, AR. He gave many years of Christian service planting seeds along the way. Dea. Johnson was ordained as a deacon at Rock of Ages MBC under the leadership of Rev R L Jones. There he served as chairman of the deacon board and as the music director for the senior choir. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Dea. Johnson led his family to Macedonia MBC - KCK. The family joined under the leadership of Rev O L Cobbins in 1975. In his 34+ years of service he worked as a Sunday School teacher, director of Inspirational Choir and Male Chorus, as well as Chairman of Deacon Board.

Dea. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Johnson Sr and Versie (Nelson) Johnson; siblings A. D. Johnson (Ozan, AR) Glen Johnson (Ozan, AR) and Frances Ruth Jordan (Ozan, AR); and his son, Eric Eugene Johnson (Kansas City, MO). 

He leaves to mourn his beautiful wife of 53 years, Joella Johnson, his children Adrienne Johnson; Maria (Walter) Canady, Samuel Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Margret Johnson, Lanette (Edward) Mitchell, Joseph (Zeneta) Johnson, 17 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and 10 siblings as well as a host of friends and family.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11am at Macedonia Baptist Church, 609 N, 18th St. Kansas City, Kansas, Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am-11am at the church. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. For further information call Watkins Heritage Chapel at 816-861-3030

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