Shirley Ann (Wallace) Johnson

Shirley Ann (Wallace) Johnson (1948–2024)

A matriarch and innate leader, Shirley could walk into a room, assess the situation and take control in less than a minute. It was effortless and natural for her. Shirley Ann Johnson, 76, of Fort Washington, Maryland, died on November 20, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania in 1948 to Al and Sophia Wallace, the 15th of 19 children in a bustling household full of love. As a teenager, the organizer and planner in her would prepare for school the night before, often waking up to pieces of her ironed outfit missing in the morning.

Shirley's ambitions led her to Tennessee State and then in 1966 she headed to Washington, DC to stay with her older brother and find employment opportunities. There she was set-up on a blind date with her future husband, Charles Johnson, and on June 22, 1968 they married in McKeesport, PA in a beautiful pastel rainbow-colored wedding.

Shirley and Charles could not wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Almost two years after their union they had Carlita (Spanish for little Charles) and four years later Charles, Jr. (CJ). Shirley often teased about how her birthday was ignored by everyone but her Mom when CJ was born five days before hers. And the children agree that music was the center of the household. Whether it was Saturday mornings to clean, Sunday morning gospels before heading to church or any evening to dance, sing and relax after a challenging day. Shirley's love of music covered all genres. She also made sure her children were involved in the church and community, from youth groups and junior ushers to scouts and team sports, her encouragement was the loudest.

Shirley was the best at bringing people together. She was the life of the party and the glue that brought and kept family and friends unified. It was not unusual to find the basement full of people listening to music and laughing until their bellies ached. That was on any given weekend and the special occasion was just being together.

Coming from humble beginnings, Shirley and Charles paid it forward by opening their home to family who came to the DMV area to pursue their dreams. The guest room never stayed empty as we always had someone living with us for a while until they got on their feet.

Her love for children expanded way past her own, from Sunday School teacher and director, to substitute teacher in the local public schools and to working with the children's program at Martha's Table, Shirley would always feed into others' lives. With the church kids there was the Christmas caroling and hot chocolate, the Easter pageant and fashion shows and the black history month plays and monologues. There was the affirmation that you could, the encouragement to use your voice and the praise of how great you were, even if you messed up.

Her love could only grow bigger when she was blessed with her four grandchildren and one great-grand. She took on the moniker of Meme in 1992 and there was nothing that made her face light up more than each and every one of them. Derrick, Jr., Dasia, Caleb, Chase, and Logan were treated to the same music love as their parents and she would serenade them with Harry Belafonte's "Turnaround" and Regina Belle's "If I Could."

Shirley will always be remembered for her ability to open up her home and heart to everyone. Providing a space at the table, a blanket and a bed, couch or floor to sleep and encouragement and warmth. If we could ask for one more day with Shirley, Mommy, Meme, Sister, Aunt, Friend; we would turn up the stereo, dance until we were exhausted and laugh until our stomachs hurt and tears streamed down our face.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles Johnson, their children Carlita (Derrick Head) and Charles Jr.; grandchildren Derrick Head, Jr, and Caleb Head; Dasia Johnson and Chase Johnson; and her great granddaughter, Logan Head; six of her siblings William Wallace, Chrisse Thompson (Prentiss), Ulysses "Buckeye" Wallace (Thelma), Beverly Spears, Carvell Wallace (Jules) and Melvin Wallace (Dorothy); her sisters-in-love, Ruby Nelson and Shelia Parker. As well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, surrogate sons and daughters and friends.

Like her favorite color yellow, Shirley was a ray of sunshine and a vibrant woman bringing with her warmth and love. 

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Celebration of Life Luncheon

1:00 PM

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Harborside Hotel @ 6400 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD

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