Shirley Johnston

Shirley (Chamberlin) Johnston, 78, of Vernon, Indiana died at 7:03 p.m. on Sunday, July, 16, 2017, at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Services.  Rev. Kendall Wildey will officiate.  Viewing will be Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 4pm – 8pm.   Funeral will be Friday June 21, 2017 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be from 11am until time of service.  Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery.   

Shirley was born January 2, 1939 in North Vernon.   Shirley was the daughter of Phillip and Leona (Toni) Chamberlin.  Shirley married Thomas Johnston June 17, 1961.  Shirley’s first job was at the North Vernon Park Theater.  She was also an RN at Muscatatuck State Hospital and was a case worker at the welfare dept. where she raised 102 foster children.  Shirley and Tom owned a new/used furniture store, a general store, a grocery store, and Tom & Shirley’s Café.   Shirley was the first female to run for sheriff in Jennings County.  She was an active member of the Republican Party and was Precinct Committeeman for Vernon Twp. 

Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.  She also enjoyed helping others, crocheting, and cooking.  Shirley enjoyed being a seamstress for the public.  She was member of the Bethel Baptist Church in North Vernon. 

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda (Lauderbaugh) Beam of North Vernon; one brother, Phillip (Kim) Chamberlin of Scipio; three sisters, Marilyn Sue Klingner of Tennessee, Alice Jean (Bud) Beesley of North Vernon, and Cindy (Paul) Goley of Madison; three grandsons, Neil (Sara) Lauderbaugh, Kinzer (Melissa) Lauderbaugh, Todd (Sandra) Beam; one granddaughter, Rhyanna (Aaron) Poole; and eight great-grandchildren, Lane, Luke and Kayleb “Bucko” Lauderbaugh, Colton and Sarah Poole and Austin, Alex and Ashton McIntosh.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Leona Chamberlin; her husband, Tom Johnston; and her brother-in-law, Chet Klingner. 

Memorials may be made to the family through the funeral home for funeral expenses.

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