Shirley Mae (Johnson) Smith
February 11, 1948 ~ April 16, 2023

Shirley Mae (Johnson) Smith Obituary
Shirley Johnson Smith made her peaceful transition on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson MS. She was born February 11, 1948, in Dunleith, MS to Virlee Williams Johnson and Cliff Johnson. She was the second child born into this union. She became child of God at an early age and was baptized at McKinney Chapel Baptist Church in Greenwood. Shirley was a longtime member of Friendship M.B. Church where she was active in numerous ministries.

Shirley graduated from Threadgill High School in 1967. She received an Associate degree from Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, MS in 1969, a Bachelor of Science degree from Lane College in Jackson, TN in 1972, and a Master of Education degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville MS in1981.

Shirley started her teaching career in Lansing Michigan from 1972-1974. She started teaching in Greenwood at Dickerson Elementary. She later moved to Threadgill Elementary and retired from Greenwood Middle School. Shirley was the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including Teacher of the Year. She was proud to lead the cheering squad and make a positive impact on the young ladies, especially their attire and mannerisms.

She is preceded in death by her parents Cliff Johnson, Sr. and Virlee Williams Johnson, and her brother Tom Bailey Johnson. Left to cherish her memory, her son Torrence Johnson of Atlanta GA, brother Clifton Johnson, Jr. of Greenwood, MS, sister Dorothy J. Tate (Earnest), of Port St Lucie FL, sister Ernestine Dickinson (Parnell) of Tampa FL, and sister Geraldine Johnson of Greenwood MS. Grandchildren Devarious Jones, Lakeria Jones, Brittany Jones, Anfernee Jones, Chelsea Hemphill, Jalen Jones, DaTorrence Harvey andI1 great-grandchildren. Her nieces and a nephew, otherwise known as her 'summer kids' including Makeba Tate McDaniel (Mark), Katrina Johnson, Zirnita Mallory (Dwayne), Mayanna Tate Hammonds(Shelton), Madria Tate Turrentine (Jason), Kenny Dickinson (Cherish) and Kenya 'Kiki' Dickinson Rowe (William). Aunts Emma Terrell and Julia Williams of Chicago IL, Uncle Frank Williams (Felicia) of Yardley PA, Extended Family from the GP Neighborhood and her Friendship Missionary Baptist Church family.