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In memory of

Shirley Jeanette Johnson-Goins

Mesa

June 1, 1930 - December 7, 2019

Jun 1, 1930 - Dec 7, 2019

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MESA, AZ – Shirley Johnson-Goins, age 89, was born in Britton, SD, in 1930 and passed away December 7, 2019. Shirley graduated from Britton High School in 1947 and wanted to join the United States Air Force, but her father would not sign the contract. Instead, she studied locally and graduated as a registered nurse from the Bartron Hospital School of Nursing in 1950—the last year one could graduate in the United States as an RN without obtaining a bachelor’s degree. She worked in several doctor’s offices and hospitals over the course of her 60 year career as a registered nurse; cared for thousands and comforted countless families. She headed out west with her good friend Lorraine to find a job as a nurse in California, then Oregon. Shirley worked her way up to nursing supervisor at Castle Medical Center (Kailua, HI) and later worked at Pohai Nani Senior Care (Kaneohe, HI). Shirley travelled all over Oahu as a private duty nurse.
In 1952 while working in Eugene, OR Shirley and Lorraine decided to treat themselves to a new pair of shoes. The shoe salesman was pushing a set of high heels and Shirley, being 5’9 ½” (she always added that ½”) said “if you can find me a date with a tall enough man I will buy them.” To which her future brother-in-law replied “my brother is 6’4” and single.” Shirley married Frank Johnson in 1953 in Eugene, OR. They had four children, Bruce, Jeffrey, Lisa, and David. Her first son was born in Roseburg, OR. The family of three moved to Oakland, CA where they had their second son and, later, their daughter. Her last son was born in Kailua, HI. Living in Waikiki when they first moved to Hawaii in 1960 the family walked to the beach almost every day. The Johnson’s moved to Kailua, HI in 1963. Packing up the family to spend the day at the beach was a real treat the entire family cherished. Shirley loved collecting beach glass, seashells, and driftwood. She was an avid seamstress and had a keen eye for fashion. In 1980 Shirley was awarded the Mana ‘Olana, the Hawaiian word for “Hope” by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, for outstanding nurse in the treatment of cancer patients. Shirley's selflessness was always on display. When a neighbor's child was accidently shot her nursing instinct kicked in--she rushed across the street with a sheet and blanket saving their life. In 1985 she joined the Pali Lions Club of Kailua and was active in community service. Shirley divorced Frank in 1989 and they remained friends ever since.
Always up for challenges Shirley took up square dancing in 1990 and became president of the Pali Twirlers from 1991 to 1992. While do-si-do-ing and allemanade-ing she would meet her future husband. In 1993 Shirley married Ransom (Randy) Goins in Honolulu, HI. Shortly afterwards they moved to Temecula, CA, then to Mesa, AZ in 1995. They enjoyed square dancing and venturing all around the United States in a RV. One trip took them to Alaska, the East Coast, and up to Nova Scotia. Another adventure took them on a RV caravan vacation to Norway and Sweden.
Shirley is survived by her ex-husband Frank Johnson of Portland, OR; sons Bruce Johnson of Hemet, CA and Jeffrey Johnson of Hanahan, SC; daughter Lisa Davidson of Tacoma, WA; and son David Johnson of Hampton, TN; grandchildren Kari and Joshua Davidson of Tacoma, WA; sister Lois Hinman of Laramie, WY; and second cousin Karen Stevenson of Oracle, AZ.
Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Marlys, her second husband, Randy, and her parents John S. and Mabel Johnson.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date when the family can gather in Hawaii. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to the American Cancer Society. The link is: https://donate3.cancer.org.

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