Shirley Melton Johnson's Obituary
Unwavering loyalty, uncommon courage, and undying faith describe Shirley Lee Melton Johnson. Shirley, 85, the wife of decorated combat veteran and former Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas), went to be with her Lord Jesus on December 3, 2015. Survivors include her husband, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson, as well as daughters Gini Johnson Mulligan (husband Jim) and Beverly Johnson Briney (husband Scott) daughter-in-law Anita Miller Johnson. Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Dr. James Robert “Bob” Johnson. Together, the adult children blessed the Johnsons with 10 grandchildren: Beth Johnson Hearn (husband Nathan), Bobby Johnson (wife Stacy), Karen Mulligan, John Mulligan, Robyn Mulligan Maggio (husband Dave), Shannon Mulligan (husband John Reisig), Susan Mulligan, Jason Mulligan, Sarah Briney and Sam Briney and five great grandchildren: Trinity, Kenzie, Dominic, Jordan and Rose Johnson. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Pam McCracken, Wilson Melton, Roberta Tidwell, and Lance Melton. Born to Paschal Brony Melton and Yrma Lilma Davenport Melton in Brady, Texas, Shirley graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Southern Methodist University. In 1950, she married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Robert Johnson, and became an Air Force wife. Friends admired her unwavering loyalty and quiet determination to support her husband, whom she affectionately called “Robert,” in all his endeavors. She moved over 30 times during her life, supervising every relocation herself while Sam flew his jet, at one time named for his beautiful bride – “Shirley’s Texas Tornado.” As a family, early in their marriage they lived in France and then England before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the early 1960’s. When Sam deployed to Vietnam, Shirley supported him and moved back home to Dallas for the close-knit network of family. On April 16, 1966, the North Vietnamese shot Sam’s plane down and captured him. That horrific day left Shirley in Plano raising three children, ages 14, 12, and 10, on her own – for nearly seven years. For many years she did not know if her husband was dead or alive. During this unspeakably long separation, Shirley persevered by working with other POW wives. She traveled the region speaking about her husband’s plight while maintaining her loyalty to her country, family, and husband. Shirley ultimately gained the support and friendship of Ross Perot, who helped Shirley and the wives make their case to a much wider audience, including Washington, D.C. and then the world. Shirley ranked among a handful of POW wives who spoke out and made the torture and brutal treatment of Vietnam POWs public to anyone who would listen. She partnered with fellow “shoot-down wives” to create the National League of Families bravely fighting for the safe return of the POWs and the accounting of the MIAs in Vietnam. During Sam’s captivity, Shirley’s faith in the almighty God became more real. Prior to the POW years, she and her husband had faithfully attended church. In the blink of an eye, God was comforting her, and her faith blossomed so that she was reliant on God for the answers to her life’s tribulations. This undying faith stayed with her the remainder of her life and became a hallmark of her quiet strength, gracious manner and gentle personality. In fact, after Sam’s homecoming, their daughter Gini married the son of former POW and fellow die-hard “Alcatraz Gang” member, Navy Captain Jim Mulligan. The Johnsons considered this fruitful union one more blessing from Sam’s 42 months spent in solitary confinement in Hell on Earth. After Sam returned home, they devoted several more years to the Air Force before retiring. Then the couple started a home-building business together in Dallas. Sam eventually pursued further service to his country, first in the Texas State House and later as a member of the U.S. Congress. Sam and Shirley remained inseparable, enjoying seeing new places and learning about new cultures. They found the greatest joy however, spending time with family and giving praise and thanksgiving to their Lord and Savior. Sam and Shirley belonged to First United Methodist Church in Plano and also enjoyed the sermons of friend Pastor Chuck Swindoll at Stonebriar Community Church. Memorial services will take place at First United Methodist Church Plano on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 am. A viewing will occur on Sunday, December 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Restland Funeral Home, located at 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a church of your choice.
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