Shirley Joan Ellis-JohnsonPoughkeepsie - Shirley Joan Ellis-Johnson "Boonie" passed away peacefully to enter her eternal rest on June 18, 2017 with her family at her side. She was a resident of The Pines Nursing Home, Poughkeepsie, NY. Shirley had no fear of passing. One of her well known quotes was "Don't let your fears out-do your faith, for when I pass, put a smile on your face because there are so many good family members and friends waiting for me at the Golden Gates". She was born on October 11, 1935 to the late William Ellis and Dorothy Watford-Ellis, and was raised by her paternal grandmother Sophie Monroe-Ellis. She was a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie and attended Poughkeepsie Schools. Shirley was a self-educated woman with a strong, independent and determined will. She was blessed to have worked at the NYS Psychiatric Center for over 42 years before her retirement. She enjoyed assisting in the raising of her sister's 12 children and spending time with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley maintained a very special loving relationship with her childhood cousin Jacqueline Bennett of Dover, DE. Shirley was always willing to give to anyone who was in need. Her greatest joy was her family. Shirley is survived by her children; Sharon Johnson-Brown and Crawford Moore Johnson (Nadere) and wife Michelle of NewPort-News, VA and sister; Leorna Derello-Mima of Poughkeepsie. She loved and cherished her 6 grandchildren; Toi Whitted, Imanu Johnson, Paris Childress, Nicole Johnson, Quintessence Johnson and Jazmun Johnson, 6 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Shirley was pre-deceased by her former husband William O'Neil Johnson Sr., son; William O'Neil Johnson Jr. and grandson; Imanu Myoga-Dubar Johnson. Calling hours will be Monday June 26, 2017 from 10-11am at Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 124 Smith St, Poughkeepsie, NY with a funeral service beginning at 11am. Burial to follow in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org