[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 162 (Monday, September 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E988-E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SHIRLEY ANN JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 20, 2021

  Mr. VEASEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 
Shirley Ann Johnson, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, 
greatgrandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
  Shirley graduated from Booker T. High School in Norfolk, VA, and went 
on to marry the love of her life, Rolland L. Johnson, Sr. They had two 
children, Rolland L. Johnson,

[[Page E989]]

Jr., and Nicole D. Collier who affectionately called her Momma. They 
moved to Northern Virginia where they settled their family in Dale 
City.
  Shirley's strong faith led them to Little Union Baptist Church in 
Dumfries, VA. There, she was an integral part of the Children's 
Ministry and quickly became a beloved favorite of the local children. 
Shirley loved to play softball and volleyball and encouraged her 
children to enjoy sports as well.
  Shirley and Rolland Sr.'s children supplied them with 9 grandchildren 
who all referred to Shirley as Nana. They became the object of her 
affection and often the grandchildren would be found at Nana's while 
she whipped up her famous oatmeal cookies or delicious macaroni and 
cheese. Always generous with her time, Shirley could be seen shuffling 
the grandchildren from place to place and she was always present for 
pivotal moments in their life. The close bond that they shared did not 
falter when they teased that Nana had ``no filter'' later in life, when 
she shared her opinion about their choice of clothes or hair style.
  Shirley's faith was only strengthened when she was diagnosed with 
cancer in 2011, with a 25 percent chance to live. Arising from the 
debilitating treatment, she even surprised medical professionals with 
her amazing courage, faith, and strength.
  However, as the years went by, the remnants of chemotherapy and twice 
a day radiation took a toll on her body. Gradually losing strength but 
always maintaining her sharp mind, her beloved husband took on the task 
of giving her the best love and attentive care only he could provide. 
Cameron, her granddaughter spent countless days and hours assisting 
Nana towards the end of her life and was always able to bring a smile 
to her face or make her laugh even when the days were long and hard.
  On August 29, 2021, phrases like ``please don't go Momma,'' or 
``today was not your day, Nana'' were spoken but God had a different 
plan and called her home to Glory. She is now reunited with her parents 
Helen and Thomas Joyner, her sisters Gladys, Mary, and Willie Mae, her 
brothers Walter, Lewis and Donald and other loving family members.
  Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and precious memories to be 
cherished by her relatives, friends, and community. Shirley's love and 
unwavering commitment to faith and family will be deeply missed by our 
Fort Worth community.

                          ____________________