Johnson, Shirley Marie Stimson

Shirley Marie Stimson Johnson, 80, of Marion, died at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Shirley, the eldest child of Francis and Marie (Barton) Stimson, was born on April 23, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa. The family later moved to Marion, Iowa, where she grew up and attended school. Shirley married John R. Clark in 1948, at Treasure Island, San Francisco, Calif., where John was stationed with the U.S. Navy. Over the years, Shirley lived and worked in many places across the U.S. and overseas, including Japan, the Azores, Turkey and Lebanon. She worked for the U.S. government in various capacities at American consulates, NASA in Houston and the National Security Agency while living in Maryland. In 1976, Shirley married Alvin McGrath; they divorced after many years together. In 1998, she returned to Marion, Iowa, where she married Lynn Johnson.

Shirley was a vivacious, smart and inquisitive person. She loved traveling and talking to her friends. She enjoyed playing bridge and scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, singing and listening to “Coast To Coast” talk radio.

Shirley is survived by her sons, John (Karen) Clark-Hansen, and Jay Clark, both of Iowa, and Jeff Clark of Idaho; and her grandchildren, Josh Clark, Meagan Clark-Hansen and Julian Clark.

She is also survived by her sister, Carol (Larry) Pace of Okeechobee, Fla.; and her brother, Jim (Diane) Stimson of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Among her dear friends she especially counted, Alvin McGrath, Twila Mattson and Annie Lawton. They were constant to the last.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul Stimson; her husband, Lynn Johnson; and her constant canine companion, Hank.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 2647 29th Ave., Marion, IA 52302. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Luke's Hospice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or to the charity of your choice.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.

Please sign the online guest book for Shirley at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 18, 2012.

Updated and republished April 19, 2012.