Shirley Johnson Brown

Mrs. Shirley J. Brown, daughter of the late James William Johnson and Alice Brice Johnson was born on April 26, 1942 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. She exchanged her earthly home for her heavenly home on Thursday, August 20, 2026. At an early age, Mrs. Brown joined Shady Grove Church in Winnsboro, South Carolina. She loved her church and as a young girl served on the Usher Board. Through the years, Shady Grove always held a special place in her heart. She looked forward to attending service when in town and delighted in being able to support her home church family at Revivals, Homecomings and in their fundraising endeavors. Mrs. Brown was educated in the Fairfield County Public School System and graduated in 1960 from Fairfield County Training School where she was a member of the Glee Club and enjoyed attending the basketball and baseball games. After high school, she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and started her career. She worked for 30 years as an Orthodontics/Dental Lab Technician for Doctors Hull, Burrow and Case. After retirement, she returned in a part-time capacity and worked two days a week. She enjoyed going into the office, talking with her coworkers and doctors. She was the “Boss” as she liked to joke. Mrs. Brown was a devoted member of Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served for many years as the President of the Senior Missionary Ministry. She was a true servant and would go above and beyond to help those in need. Her deep love for the Lord and her commitment to ministry were evident in the many ways she served the community. She often organized and prepared comforting meals for bereaved families, contributed to the Room In The Inn Ministry and visited the sick and shut-in members. Well known for her culinary talents, she prepared food for the Senior Teas and delighted everyone with her famous desserts, especially her sweet potato pies. She was a pillar of her Grove Park community where she fostered connections with her neighbors, participated in the Grove Park Garden Club and was committed to the endeavors of the Neighborhood Association. Mrs. Brown loved to give advice and generously shared her knowledge and wisdom with others. Viewed by many as a second mother figure, she was always ready to support, guide and uplift those around her. She was never one to mince words and always said what she meant. Though she sometimes presented a tough exterior, her straightforward approach was always wrapped with a warm and caring heart. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl J. Hopkins; eight brothers, Q’lester Brice, Roscoe Brice, L.A. Brice, Olin Johnson, James W. Johnson, Jr., O.W. Brice, Jack Johnson and Johnny Mack Johnson and two sisters, Maybell Fee and Ruby Johnson Martin. Mrs. Brown leaves to cherish her loving memories, her husband of 26 years, Vonnie Brown; daughter, Sabrina Kennedy; granddaughter, Alicia Hopkins; grandson, Christopher Hopkins (Shresha); great-grandchildren, Lauren, Skyler, Kai and Ryan Hopkins; son-in-law, Lindsay Hopkins, Jr.; sister, Estelle McCrorey; best friend, Creola Franklin Peoples; spiritual sister, Bennie Thomas; play-daughter, Cheryl Harden and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Shirley Johnson Brown

April 26, 1942 - August 20, 2026