Mary Shirley Johnson

Affectionately known as "May Shirley" by her family and friends, she was the last surviving member of the Bates-Claxton clan of the former Royal American Shows attraction, Harlem in Havana, where she was a celebrated lead dancer and entertainer.

Mary was born on September 9, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James and Edith Bates. She was the second-youngest of ten children. From 1939 to 1949, she danced and sang in carnival shows throughout the United States, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. In 1950, she settled in California, where she joined the Lon Fontane Dancers. Her distinguished entertainment career also included club and television performances with the Stuff Smith Trio and the Disney Calypsonians, who appeared in films such as Swiss Family Robinson, Lydia Bailey, and Calypso Heat Wave. Among her proudest accomplishments were the years she spent performing with Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., and the U.S.O. troupe, entertaining American military personnel around the world.

In 1970, Mary married James Johnson Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and made her home in Tampa's Rivergrove community. After retiring from the stage, she dedicated herself to teaching tap and modern dance to children at local community centers, sharing her love of dance with a new generation. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Johnson Jr., who passed away in 1991.

Mary was a devoted Christian whose faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served as the spiritual matriarch of her family, and her unwavering trust in God remained her greatest source of strength throughout her life.

Mary is survived by her son, John Cunningham and his wife, Sandy, of San Diego, CA; her former daughter-in-law, Deanna Morris Cunningham of Durham, NC; her granddaughters, Traci Cunningham (Karen Crump) of Tampa, FL, Shelly Cunningham-Artis (Errek Artis) of El Paso, TX, and Leslie Cunningham of Durham, NC. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Devyn Cunningham (Alicia Cunningham) and Taylor Cunningham of Tampa, FL, Tony Artis (Allegra Artis) of El Paso, TX, Jourdan Artis of Miami, FL, Danielle Copeland and Brittney Copeland of Durham, NC, and eight great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Mary will be laid to rest at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Tampa during a private family service.

The family of Mrs. Mary Shirley Bates Johnson extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Hawthorne Health and Rehab Center for the loving care and kindness they provided during her final years.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen