Shirley Estelle Johnson

Shirley Estelle Johnson peacefully went to Heaven on May 8, 2023 at Quail Park on Cypress with loving family near her. Shirley was born to Clyde and Myrtle Leonard on May 15, 1930, in Ventura, California, where she graduated from Ventura High School and lived until she became Mrs. Shirley Johnson. On June 12, 1949, Shirley married Charles “Paul” Johnson of Oxnard, who went to Heaven on June 1, 2015, after 66 years of marriage.

Shirley is survived by her loving nephews and nieces Charles Ray Johnson (Sally) of Oxnard, Bruce Douglas Johnson (Linda) of Castro Valley, and Betty Ruth Johnson of Oxnard; Ann Browning of Leaburg, Oregon; Claire Beyer of Pasadena; the late Nadine Beyer-Wilkie, and Alan Beyer of Oregon; Robert (Pam) Johnson of Sun City, California; Judy (Johnson) (Raymond) Friedhoff of Camas, Washington; Daniel “Danny” (Kathy) Johnson of Menifee, California; multiple grandnieces and grandnephews and great grandnephews and great grandnieces. She was also blessed with many extra special friends, including Donna and Bill Rybold, Pastor Dick Baynard, Chris Mashler, Pastor Don Roulston, Dr. Roger and Darlene Haley, Kelly Deditius, Joyce Bandy, and Ron and Gladwyn Burris of Visalia; Stephen and Diane Smith of Paso Robles; and Webb and Donna Campbell of Nashville, Tennessee; her fellow residents and the “thoroughly professional with personal-touch” staff at Quail Park on Cypress, the “Good Time Girls” lunch group, and her church family at the Visalia Methodist Church.

Shirley and Paul managed the family ranch, first in Oxnard (and taught 4-H Sewing) and in Visalia beginning in 1960, where they became members of Visalia Methodist Church in 1960. Shirley was a member of the Floyd Westbrook’s Bible and Breakfast Club, S.A.M. (Senior Adult Ministries Bible Study Group), served for years as a member of the Kaweah Delta Hospital Guild and the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Paul and Shirley enjoyed years of recreation and fellowship at their cabin in Shaver Lake. After selling the ranch and Paul’s earthly death in 2015, Shirley resided at Quail Park on Cypress, where the staff treated her like she was everyone’s favorite aunt. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is waiting in Heaven for those who choose to surrender their lives to Him (John 3:16).

Shirley will forever be remembered and left a godly legacy of modeling Galatians 5:22-23 for all who knew her: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. She truly lived a Colossians 1:10a life, “Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord.”

Shirley’s family is thankful for the men and women who took such loving care of Shirley during her residency at Quail Park on Cypress until she went to Heaven. The entire staff from all departments displayed kindness, gentleness and patience, partnered with the highest level of professional expertise, as they worked together to make Quail Park on Cypress as “homey” and safe as possible.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com

The family will gather for a graveside service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Visalia Methodist Church, 5200 West Caldwell Avenue, Visalia 93277, or to Tulare County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 748, Visalia 93279.