Visitation for Shirley Marie Baker Johnson, 89, Clinton, will be from 5-7 pm Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The casket will be closed at the request of family. Burial will be at Clinton Cemetery Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 11:00 am; Pastor Patrick Yancey will be officiating. Shirley died October, 17, 2022, at Bridge Haven memory care home.
Shirley was born August 10, 1933, at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, Kansas. She was the youngest of five children born to Orville Newton and Geneva Preston Baker. She attended Brubaker Grade school and Baldwin City High School, before graduating from Overbrook High School in 1951, where she was a cheerleader.
Shirley worked in the office of Dr. W.O. and Richard Nelson and then nine years at the Kansas Geological survey office, followed by 15 years as a school bus driver for Lawrence Public Schools. She loved her job as a bus driver and drove several of her own grandchildren to school each morning.
Shirley met her husband Rex Johnson “in jail” while visiting her sister. In 1965 Rex became Sheriff and he and Shirley and their family moved into the Sheriff’s quarters which was connected to the jail and Douglas County courthouse. In 1970 Rex and Shirley moved to the country, west of what is now Clinton Lake. Many deputies affectionately called Shirley “mom” whenever they saw her. Shirley cooked for the county inmates, and later hired out the cooking, a job requirement of the acting sheriff until the mid-eighties, when the County took over the task of feeding the inmates.
Shirley married Rex Johnson on October 31, 1954, in Lawrence, KS. He preceded her in death in 2021. She was also preceded in death by two sons Duane Lee Johnson and David Bruce Johnson, three sisters, Maxine Elschlager, Virginia Aldridge and Jean Hodson, and a brother, Creed Baker.
Survivors include two sons, Allen Johnson and wife Robin, Baldwin City, and Dale Johnson and wife Kathy, Lawrence; a daughter Susan Collins, and husband Jason, Pooler GA; 9 grandchildren, Aaron, Paul, Patrick, Ross, Colton, and Jake Johnson, Kyle Bulmer, Kelly Mondi, and Robi Murray; and 22 great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to VNA/Hospice of Lawrence, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com
My family cannot really express what it means to us to have had Aunt Shirley in our lives. She was always a gracious host whenever we visited their home and provided a wonderful meeting place for the entire family on many Thanksgiving occasions. I have many fond memories of Aunt Shirley with my mom and their other sisters and brother Creed.
I drive buses with Shirley I will always Remember her smile and laugh she was a very special lady to me
Shirley will always be remembered as my idol cheerleader. I would always set by her during basketball games at Overbrook High School. She encouraged me to become a cheerleader, and that I did when I entered ORHS. Also, David Johnson spent many times at our home with our boys.. Our son David Dillon joined the Sheriffs Department under Sheriff Rex Johnson, and was very proud of his career. Thinking of the Johnson Families as they will always be our family. So sorry!
My deepest sympathies to Patrick and the entire Johnson family.
Your and yours are in my prayers at this time of loss.
Sorry to hear of Shirley home going,
Remembering her from when we drove Schools Buses,
Her and Rex were so kind to me,
Thanks for the friendship!!
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. So many great and fond memories of her. She was a quiet and blessed woman who shared her compassion and love with us all. My prayers to all who mourn her loss.
Kathy and Dale…. Sorry for your loss
She sounds like she lived a very full life. Prayers coming your way for you and your family
Shirley was such a special lady, she always had a sweet smile for you and made you feel special. She and Rex were always at every game, event that her grandkids were in, we always looked forward to seeing them. There are extra smiles in Heaven. Prayers that you feel her peace. Love the Johnson family. ?
Mike and I were sorry to read of sweet Shirley’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her and Rex at the ballparks back in the day. Hugs to all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Johnson family.
We are sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. My family is sending prayers and hugs to you all. We have grown up knowing the Johnson family and it is truly a great loss.
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I remember her and Rex from my time growing up in the Clinton neighborhood. Condolences to her friends and family.
Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. My heart goes out to the Johnson family for the loss of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I know God is taking care of her now.
Our deepest sympathies to the Johnson Family.
so sorry for your loss of a grand lady. She and Rex have a special place in my heart, renting a room from them in 1956. Allen you and I would go to Weavers to pick-up your grandmother. My deepest sympathy and prayers for all your family.
So sorry to hear about Shirley she was an amazing lady . She will be greatly missed. Your family is in my prayers and prayers
So sorry to hear about Shirley! She was a amazing lady! Prayers to her family