Apr. 20, 1935 –

June 25, 2012

Shirley Nell Heard Johnson, 77, of Brinson, passed away Monday, June 25, 2012, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Bethany Baptist Church, with Rev. Joe Beauchamp and Rev. Roy Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, with her grandsons serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, at Ivey Funeral Home.

Mrs. Johnson was born April 20, 1935, in Decatur County, the daughter of Byron Heard and Claudine Bell Kendrick Heard. She earned her early education at Bethany Community School, was a graduate of West Bainbridge High School Class of 1953, and was recently able to attend her 59th class reunion. Mrs. Johnson worked for the Bower Company, the Church of God Daycare, and was a production scheduler for Amoco Fabrics and Shaw Industries for over 24 years, as well as a homemaker.

She was a very active member of Bethany Baptist Church, serving as the secretary and treasurer of the Women’s Mission Union, Sunday school teacher, and Bible school teacher. Mrs. Johnson had a love for people and helping those with her gift of hospitality. She will always be remembered for the comfort she brought to others who were sick or in need. Mrs. Johnson was a woman who knew how to love, and loved her family dearly. She also enjoyed the world around her, including trips to the beach, cooking, gardening, and cruises.

Survivors include her daughters, Sheilah J. Kirkland of Bainbridge, Debra J. Bennett of Bainbridge, Martha Anne King and her husband, Steve, of Bainbridge, and Eve Yarbrough and her husband, Sebe, of Americus, Ga.; her grandchildren, Will Kirkland, Ben Bennett, Jamie Bennett, Kennie Bennett, Jeb King, Sallie King, Jayden Yarbrough and Marlee Yarbrough; her nine great-grandchildren; her special family members, Glenda Kendrick Whitaker and her husband, Melvin, and Becky Powell; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.