Shirley Osteen Johnson

Shirley Osteen Johnson, born January 14, 1935, in Williston, Florida, to John and Effie Osteen, passed away peacefully in her Ocala home on April 3rd, 2026 at the age of 91. As Shirley loved her only Ocala home of 65 years so much, we are grateful that she never had to leave it.

Shirley’s family re-located to Dunnellon when she was 2 years old due to her father’s job transfer during his lifelong career with the Seaboard Railroad. She grew up in Dunnellon where her family were members of the First Baptist Church. She was very active in church and school activities. After graduating from Dunnellon High School in 1953, with a total of 17 classmates, she worked for Robinson Lumber Company before marrying and moving to Ocala. While living in Dunnellon, one of her most favorite hobbies was hanging out on Blue Run.

Shirley enjoyed a career as a teacher assistant at Ward-Highlands Elementary School retiring after 35 years of service. She was also a member of Highlands Baptist Church for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents John & Effie Osteen, her sisters Oreatha O’Neal & Lucy Snow, and her niece Linda Allen.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children Julie Johnson & Greg (Lyn) Johnson, her nieces Sara Lee Frier & Henrietta (Mark) Yandle, her nephew Mike Grant and many great & great-great nieces and nephews.

She loved the lord, her family and friends, her Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters, and her Ward-Highlands family. She was a super loyal Florida Gators fan. One of her greatest joys was attending Gator athletic events and she did so for over 60 years. She always said “Win or lose, I’m always a Gator”.

Shirley had a sweet, loving and positive spirit. According to her “everything was always ok”.

Special thanks to Lyn Johnson and Carla Nelson for their dedicated and compassionate care given to Shirley.

Services will take place on Friday, April 10th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. Following the service in Dunnellon there will be a 2:00 p.m. graveside service in Trenton, Florida at the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and honor Shirley’s wonderful life.

Memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Sheltering Hands cat rescue or your favorite charity.