Shirley Johnson

Shirley Anne Rita Johnson. age 93 of Scottsville NY, completed her life journey peacefully on October 27, 2026. She was the daughter of Wynne C Jones, Sr., and Rose A Jones. Shirley was the last of her generation of the Jones family. She was predeceased by her husband Walter R Johnson, Jr. and by her siblings; Gus Smith, Joseph Smith, Lorraine Wilson Palmer, Wynne C Jones, Jr., Earl Jones, Sr., Raymond Jones, Dolores Warren, Rose Nacca, William Jones and Janet Jones. Survived by sons Daniel and Paul Johnson, grandchildren Juliana (Lars) Moravy, and Andrew (Leigh) Johnson, by great grandchildren Rafael and Elise Moravy, and Isabella Johnson, and by many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley had a passion for learning and reading from a young age. At age 4 she was delighted to accompany her older sister Dolores to school at Immaculate Conception, settling in at an empty desk. Learning the alphabet was exhilarating! After a week the nuns reluctantly informed her that she was not yet old enough to attend school, and so she had to wait her turn. In 1947 she was awarded a full scholarship to Nazareth high school.

After raising a family, Shirley went back to school, first as a lunch lady, then as a teacher’s aide. That inspired her to get her high school General Education Degree. She went on to earn a BA in Education from SUNY Geneseo, and an MA in Special Education and Remedial Reading from Nazareth College. She then began her career as a special education and reading teacher at several area schools. She retired from the Kirk Road School in Greece where she touched the lives of many students with her caring approach and her enthusiasm for reading and learning.

Shirley was actively involved in her community. She served as an election poll worker, starting in the 19th ward of Rochester and continuing in Scottsville. She volunteered at the Scottsville Free Library, helping with annual book sales that supported the library. She served as a Den Mother and as a member of the PTA. She was active in the Wheatland Seniors program.

Shirley emerged as an accomplished artist working in oil on canvass. Her style was American Realism. Previously shown at the Scottsville Free Library, her work includes images of local and regional landscapes, such The George Bridge in Scottsville, Buttermilk Falls in LeRoy, Chatauqua Lake, and the Thousand Islands. Her paintings will be on display during calling hours at the Cameron Funeral Home.
Most endearing was Shirley’s loving kindness and nurturing nature. Suggestive rather than declarative, her manner was always gentle, never harsh. Her demeanor portrayed dignity, empathy and sincerity.

Shirley served as a mom, not only to her sons, but also to her nieces, nephews and cousins. She welcomed some of them to live in the family home and she raised them as her own. She faithfully cared for her own Mom in her last years, and she helped other family members in times of need.
Shirley had so many friends. She was interesting and fun to be with. Her network centered on the neighborhood and Scottsville community, and spread out to her many family, personal and professional associations.
Shirley touched the hearts of all who knew her. She will always hold a special place in our loving memories.

Friends and Family are invited to call Friday November 6th from 3-7 PM at J.H. Cameron Funeral Home 26 Rochester St. Scottsville. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 11/7/26 at 10 AM, at St. Anne Church 1600 Mount Hope Ave, Rochester, NY.