Shirley Fae Johnston
November 19, 1935 – October 24, 2025
Shirley Fae Johnston, beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on October 24, 2025, in Norwalk, California, at the age of 89. She is survived by her children Kathy Fae Whittall (Lawrence), Elaine Johnston (John Anderson), Michael Johnston (Martha), and Patrick
Johnston (Gwendolyn), grandchildren Joshua Whittall (Jenn Reasback), Aaron Whittall (Lisa), Sheri Coffman, Michael Johnston, Christy Fae Smith (Matthew), Anne Beeson, Elisabeth Brock, William Brock, Sara Brock (Israel Segura), Megan VandenRaadt (Theodore), and Cole Johnston, ten great-grandchildren, as well as her brothers Roy Smith (Joy, dec.), Frank Smith (Toni), and Gerald Smith (Sherry), sisters Gladys Hammond (Bob, dec.), and Tricia Caulkins (Richard), a host of nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Lloyd Noel “Johnny” Johnston, daughter Linda Brock (Robert, dec.), great-grandson Cody Coffman, parents Amos and Ila Smith, and siblings Amos, Ernest, Mary, and Marie.
Shirley Fae Smith was born in Corning, California on November 19, 1935, the sixth of ten children of Amos and Ila Fae (Moore) Smith. She grew up with her large and loving family on a farm in Red Bluff, California.
They weathered the many challenges brought on by the Great Depression and WWII. Always known as Fae, she pitched in at home while excelling in school. She loved regaling the family with stories of life on the farm and in “town.”
Upon graduating from high school, Fae resolved to see more of the world before settling down, and saved money for bus fare to Los Angeles and enough to live on until she found a job and place to live on her own. Her fate was sealed on the bus ride when she met a young sailor fresh out of basic training and also heading south. She claimed it was not love at first sight, but Fae and Johnny Johnston were married within the year and started their family soon thereafter. She gave birth to five kids born a total of five years apart. They settled in Norwalk, California where Fae devoted her time to raising their family. She taught them to work hard and always do what they know is right, and was immensely proud of each of them. Fae met every challenge with grace and love, relying on her faith in Jesus to provide all they needed.
Once her children were launched, Fae eagerly returned to work outside the home in the payroll and procurement departments of several large companies in the Los Angeles area, including Aerojet and Pacific Press. She enjoyed being indispensable, making sure her colleagues were paid on time or received the supplies they needed to do their jobs.
Fae, along with Johnny, was a faithful follower and servant of her Lord. They were very active in their church and could always be counted on to provide support whenever needed. Fae was involved in many areas of ministry and service. She was a teacher and leader for children and youth programs, and organized mission programs to provide assistance to people in need locally and in Mexico. She sang alto in the choir and helped strengthen the congregation with fellowship activities, such as family camping trips and social gatherings. She was a steadfast witness and example of a true Christian who supported and encouraged many others in the development of their faith.
Fae was also known for her hospitality and was an excellent cook. She welcomed everyone into their home, and no matter how crowded always found room for more. She was cheerful and fun-loving and lived life with infectious joy. She was a devoted grandmother and almost never missed a grandparents day at school, a sports event or performance, or a birthday party for one of the grandkids, and they all adored her. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grands brought her much joy throughout her life.
In 1998 Johnny and Fae retired to Twentynine Palms in the Mojave Desert. They greatly enjoyed the laid-back desert lifestyle and wide open space. They remained active in church where they made a host of new friends and continued to open their home to provide gracious hospitality to family, friends, and neighbors. They particularly enjoyed providing support and comfort to members of the U.S. Marine Corps and their families who were stationed at the nearby base. They enjoyed traveling around the country, with most of their trips planned around visits with family and friends. Their greatest pleasure was receiving many visitors to their desert oasis, especially the kids and grandkids as well as extended family and lifelong friends.
As her health declined and she needed more help with daily living, Fae returned to Norwalk to live with her daughter Kathy and son-in-law Larry, who provided loving care for her last few years and enabled her to spend more time with her family. We are rejoicing that she has now been healed as she has entered the glory of heaven where she is in the presence of Jesus and reunited with her beloved husband, daughter, and other loved ones who have gone before her.
Fae’s abundant life of faith, hope, and love will be celebrated on November 14, 2025, at Crossroads Family Church in Cerritos, California. She will be buried with her beloved husband Johnny at Riverside National Cemetery in a private service.
