Shirley Ann Johnson

Shirley Ann Johnson, 86, passed away on March 24, 2016 at Gardenside Long Term Care in Fairbury, Nebraska.
Shirley was born on October 22, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to David and Winifred O’Brien. The family moved to DeKalb, Illinois where she graduated from DeKalb Township High School in 1946. After graduation, Shirley worked at the Wurlitzer Piano Plant in DeKalb, Il where she met and then married Harlan Johnson on June 16th, 1951. The couple had four children.
In 1951 they moved to Lincoln, NE and then in 1958 moved to Beatrice, NE. During that time, Shirley was a stay at home mom. In 1968 Shirley and Harlan moved to Fairbury where they lived the remainder of their lives. Shirley started working at Fairbury Lockers in 1968 and retired after 35+ years in 2007. She then worked part time at Lambert Vet Supply until January of 2009 when her health required her to retire permanently. Shirley met many people though the years and always had a smile and laugh for everyone.
In 2010 Harlan and Shirley moved to Cedarwood Assisted Living in Fairbury where they enjoyed the new friendships and the many activities offered.
Shirley had a love for all sports and rarely missed watching her grandchildren participate in their sporting events. She also enjoyed Kansas City Royals Baseball. She rarely missed a game on TV and was even know to watch the replays as well.
Shirley is survived by, daughters Sue (Bob) Yoachim of Arkansas City, Kansas, Julie (Bob) Dein, Candie (Bob) Kujath and son Rick (Laura) Johnson all of Fairbury, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan, her parents and two sisters.
The memorial service will be held on Friday April 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Gerdes Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. Memorial will be to the families choice.