Shirley Ann Johnson

On March 12, 1937, the second of three children was born. A bouncing baby girl named MS. SHIRLEY ANN CARTER, was born to the late Jesse and Lena Carter, at General Hospital in the beautiful city of Indianapolis, IN.

Shirley grew up on the west side of the city and attended Indianapolis Public Schools #4, #17, and #24. She attended Crispus Attucks High School where she met Lemuel Barlow and became a member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of Elder Webb. Shirley and Lemuel were joined in Holy Matrimony and from that union three children: Alvernia, Marcus and Terry were born. While Lemuel enlisted in the Unites States Army, Shirley attended Sarah Barlow’s Beauty College. She received her license as a beautician and started working in Sarah’s beauty shop until Lemuel returned home to retrieve his family and we jetted off across the ocean to various countries and we became Army Brats.

Shirley continued to use her skills as a beautician, but she also became interested in bowling. She joined several bowling leagues and bowled in numerous tournaments where she placed 1st and 2nd and received several trophies that I, her daughter, had to dust.

After returning to the states, we finally settled down back in Indianapolis. Shirley began a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail handler, where she worked for 26 years until she retired.

During her early period of retirement, Shirley traveled and enjoyed her family, especially the grandchildren, Tracy and La- Toya. Shirley loved to cook and would call us up saying, “Y’all better get over here, dinner is ready.” There were lots of gatherings at Grandma’s house.

Shirley met and eventually married Jasce Johnson, and they joined Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Harris Sr. Shirley loved music and took piano lessons and started playing for Pleasant Union’s Sunday school, baptisms, and Vacation Bible School. Shirley also was a member of several ministries: Pastor’s and Mother’s Board, Welcome Committee and Church Anniversary Chairperson, just to name a few. Shirley has served under three Pastors: Pastor Charles Harris Sr., Pastor James Pruitt and presently, Pastor Nello Holman Sr.

Shirley’s early upbringing in the church also inspired her to become one of the most admired for her fashion. When she walked through the doors of the church, she would be matching from head to toe and her hats were the talk of the church. She enjoyed telling all who asked, “My daughter bought it for me.” Shirley loved her family, but she loved God more.

Shirley Ann Johnson departed this life on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Her husband, Jasce Johnson; brother, James Carter; sister, Cassandra Adams; and great-granddaughter, Amari Diamond Louise Brown, all preceded her in death.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Alvernia Draper (Rickey); sons, Marcus Barlow (Joyce) and Terry Barlow; grandchildren: Tracy Crockett (Diane), La-Toya Mason, Terri Barlow, and Kennedee Barlow; great- grandchildren: Tracy Crockett Jr., Naima Crockett, T’Asia and T’Aira Coleman; sisters: Betty, Yvonne, Beverley, Jessica, Debra, Janet and Brenda; Brother, Gerald; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. But most of all, her Pleasant Union Church family.

She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~ Proverbs 31:26.