Shirley J. Johns

Shirley Jean Jones-Johns was born in Haywood County, Tennessee. She was the oldest of five children born to Marshall and Luberta Hughes-Jones in 1946. Her father, mother sister and three brothers preceded her in death.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Stanton, TN. She later united with First Baptist Church in Brownsville, TN where she taught Baptist Training Unit (BTU) as well Sunday School and played piano for the youth choir.

Shirley attended Carver High School graduating in 1965. After relocating to Chicago in 1968 she attended Patricia Stevens Career College and Finishing School, and Malcolm X College. 

Shirley and Stephen Mitchell Johns were married on December 25, 1968. They were blessed to share their lives together for more than 56 years as one. They enjoyed working in the church and raising their three children, Michelle, Stephen Michael and Melody. Shirley was a person who believed family and home were important but secondary to her life with Christ being first. 

Shirley was employed at Chicago Medical School for 4 years, and at Sidney Hillman Health Centre of Chicago for 31 years. She retired in 2000 due to the number of years of employment at SHHC, where she had become the supervisor of medical records.

Once in Chicago, Shirley united with Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church where the late Dr. Joseph Wells was pastor. She later united with Prince of Peace Baptist Church where Rev. W.L. Upshire was pastor. After moving to Maywood, Illinois, she united with Proviso MB Church where Bishop Dr. Claude Porter was founder and pastor. While a member of Proviso she served on the Usher Board, was a youth Sunday school teacher, and served for some time as the president of the Pastor’s Aide Committee. She faithfully served until moving her membership to be with her husband, Pastor Stephen M. Johns at First Southern MB Church and later Alpha New Beginning Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her passing.

Shirley always said with each illness she endured during her life God was making her stronger for the next bought of illness.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Stephen, daughters; Michelle and Melody, son, Stephen Michael and honorary daughter, Rashanda Rivers, all of Illinois; one brother, Larry Jones of Chicago, three brothers-in-law, William Ed Johns of Sacramento, CA, Bennie Johns (Sadie) of Memphis, Milton Johns of Milwaukee, WI. Sisters-in-law. Alice Walker of Chicago, Janie Jones of Georgetown, SC, Shirley Johns of Brownsville, TN. Four grandchildren, Ava Skye, Jeremiah, Alaiyah and Michael; two God children, Freddie Walker and KeMani’ Grafreed, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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