Shirley Ann (Knight) Johnson

Born in Anderdon Ontario on November 22nd 1938, Shirley Johnson was the third of eight children born to Delbert and Elenore Knight. The gifts and talents that God bestowed on Shirley were too many to list. From her youth to the end of her life she shared these gifts and talents, leaving a positive impact on everyone she met. She loved music and loved to dance. She was proud of the fact that she was one of the original Teenette Debutant.

Later moving to the United States she went on to finish her education at Borgess Hospital as a Surgical Technician and later worked for Jarvis Pemco and finally retired from the Paw Paw School district. Following retirement, she volunteered at Bronson Lakeview Hospital. As a member of the Bronson Lakeview Ladies Auxillary; she held the office of the President, the Chairperson (and model) for the annual fashion show fundraiser and worked in the gift shop. She impacted the lives of others with her sage advice and an extra set of hands. It was this helpful spirit that gained her "Volunteer of the Year" where her picture remains on the hospital wall.

Shirley was the gold standard as a wife, a mother and a mentor and teacher.

Shirley met and married her husband Michael of 54 years and together they raised four children. The example she left as a wife provided her children with a roadmap to building successful relationships and her example as a mother provided her children the parenting tools to raise confident and aspiring children of their own. More than by example, she offered continuous intentional teaching. The lessons were many, but three that were passed almost daily were "Go to school, save your money and the harder you work, the luckier you get." Those same lessons were freely shared and extended to friends and many others she took an affinity for.

Her examples also emphasized the importance of living life to the fullest. Along side of her support for others, she was also known to enjoy life. Shirley could be found spending time on the lake, travelling with Michael all over the country, hosting a picnic and or throwing a stellar party. She was a fabulous host and had a great eye for style, she possessed beauty inside and out that was always on display and evident. As anyone could see if they had ever attended any of her annual 4th of July picnics where everyone in the family was invited and celebrated. She kept a beautiful house and was always sporting a look that was cute, sharp or elegant.

She was proceeded in passing by her Husband; Michael Stanley Johnson, parents, Brothers Louis, John and Tommy and Sisters Patricia and Margaret. Shirley and Michael shared a love so deep that her passing followed his passing by only a few short weeks.

Shirley is survived by her four children; Debra Kemp of Windsor, Ontario Canada, Pamela Fontenot (Andre) of Regina, Saskatchewan Canada, Michelle Moore (David) of Kalamazoo and Michael S. Johnson II also of Kalamazoo. 12 grand children and 24 great grand children. Sister Carol Black and Brother Bud Knight, Sisters in law Freda (Buddy) Hannah, Susan Johnson, Karen (Tyrone} Foster and Kim Marshall all of Kalamazoo and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Shirley Johnson was the epitome of grace and elegance, she was a beacon of light that will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers; memorial donations can be made to Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 804 W. North St. Kalamazoo MI 49007.