Shirley O. Farrace

After spending 81 years on this earth, Shirley O. Farrace passed away peacefully after a short illness in the evening hours of June 23, 2011. Her family was by her side as she began her journey into Christ’s arms.

A Celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Benson officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home.

Shirley was born on March 13, 1930 in Duluth, Minnesota to James P. Lanehart and Dorothy Lanehart McLean. She spent her childhood in California and graduated high school in San Pedro, California in 1948. She married the love of her life, Arthur Farrace, in 1984 in Big Spring, Texas. Sadly, he passed away in 1985.

She was always a proud and active participant in all of her children’s lives, and she showed her love by working hard to support her family. She was a wonderful mother. She loved life and had a strong Christian faith. Her bible reading and prayer life were important elements of her daily routine. She found great comfort in prayers for whatever circumstance she was facing.

Her first job was at a dime store. Her last occupation was as the owner of Munchkin Country Children’s Clothing store in San Antonio, Texas. When she retired she was a volunteer at the VA Hospital in Big Spring, Texas.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Lorrie Beatty, her brother James P. Lanehart, III, and granddaughter Michelle Rogers. She is survived by her three children, Virginia Forbes, Deborah Read and husband Jerry, and Lanny Pierce and wife Kimberly Holcomb Pierce; 11 grandchildren: Ashley Holcomb, and Dalton Holcomb, Logan Pierce, Austin Pierce, Marc Read, Nicholas Read, Kimberly Lawrence, Joseph Clifton Forbes, Jeremy Beatty, Joshua Beatty, Melissa Beatty; five great-grandchildren; special friends David and Irma Dunckel and her favorite dog Mr. Bentley.

A special thank you to 5 north and ICU of Shannon Medical Center for their outstanding staff and excellent care.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.