Funeral Program - Shirley Stean Johnson

Shirley Stean Johnson was born on February 28, 1945, in Mendenhall, Mississippi, to Willie McCullum and Augustine Woods.

Shirley attended school at Harper High School and secured a job with Universal Manufacturing Plant. While working there, fate smiled upon her, when she met and married the love of her life, Houston Johnson. After marriage, they moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to begin their life together with their three sons.

Shirley received her Associates of Arts from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and went on to have several jobs in Iowa from working for the governor of Iowa at Economic Development and as a surveyor with the Department of Transportation. After moving to Tylertown, Mississippi, she began a long career in retail management until retirement. Shirley believed in giving her best in all things. She was not one to shy away from hard work or responsibility. Those who worked alongside her knew her as dependable, driven, tough, and uncompromising in her standards.

Shirley and Houston fostered many children before adopting a son and daughter in 1985. In 2010, they adopted and became guardians of five more children.

Shirley was a woman of unshakable faith, fierce dedication, and an unmistakable presence. She trusted God without wavering and lived out her beliefs not just in words, but in action— through perseverance, service, and a steadfast moral compass. No matter the season, she stood firm, believing that God would make a way, and that conviction guided every step she took. Her life was a testament to faith in action and strength with heart.

She had a strong personality and never pretended otherwise. Shirley spoke her mind with courage and clarity, always standing in her truth. While she could be firm and direct, her honesty came from a place of integrity and compassion. Alongside her strength was a wonderful sense of humor. She was comical, quick-witted, and knew how to lighten a room… or stir it up. Her laughter, stories, one-liners, and candid remarks brought joy and connection to those around her, even in difficult moments.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, Momo, and mother figure to many, giving all to those she cared for. Her home was a home for anyone in need and her doors were always open. She unselfishly gave her time, attention, and love to her children and family. When anyone needed her, she showed up, was present, and gave love, attention, and support in many forms.

Shirley will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Though her absence is felt, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the example she set. "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

Shirley departed this life on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, along with beloved brothers and sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory: five daughters, Coretta, Chelsey, Aaliyah, Deondra and Keondra; five sons, Edward, Glen, Stanley, Jermaine, and Adreyan; six sisters, Willie R. Holmes, Francis Jones, Mary Williams, Brenda (Odell) Moore, Sherry (Michael) Johnson, and Leontyne Roby; one brother, Randy (Ruby) McCullum; three sisters-in law, Sadie Lee, Joyce Fleming, and Dollie (David) Carter; three brothers-in-law, Carl Ray (Gloria) Johnson, and Paul (Denise) Johnson; 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.