Shirley Jacobs Johnson

Shirley Jacobs Johnson, who called Escanaba home her entire life and spent many winters in Florida, passed away on April 15 after living a long and full 95 years.

Shirley was the last of the generations of the Oliver and Jacobs families living in Escanaba. Those families were pioneers in the lumber and mining industry in the UP beginning in the mid-1800s -- founding the UP State Bank and Delta Hardware, managing the Delta and Michigan theaters, and contributing generously to the communities of Escanaba and Marquette over the years. She married Vernon Johnson, a long-time Escanaba dentist, in 1945. Part of her Escanaba life included being a member of PEO for 50 years and an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. 

Martha, Kathryn, Doug & Pam, Steve & Donna, Sara & Jim and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss her terribly. She was our rock, our glue, and our guiding light. She was extraordinarily generous, extremely caring and very loving. She was elegant and beautiful, reserved and thoughtful, and kind and respectful. She instilled the commitment to and importance of family in her children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

However, what her loved ones will really remember her for are her amazing pasties, fantastic wild blueberry pies, endless batches of cookies; sharing days on the beach, cribbage games, and family travel; and her golf, bridge and bingo games.

To honor Shirley and her long family legacy, please send donations to the Delta County Historical Society Contributions will be used for education and publications. Checks should be made out of to the Society and mailed to 16 Beaumier Way, Escanaba, MI 49829.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Jacobs Johnson, please visit our floral store.