Shirley Rae Willis (Johnson), 51, of Freeport, Texas, passed away on December 2, 2025.
Shirley was born on May 28, 1974, in Freeport, Texas, to Hubert and Hazel Johnson. She was known for her humor, strength, and sweet, loving spirit. Shirley had a way of making everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Over the years, Shirley worked at First National Bank of Lake Jackson, Bucees in Angleton, and CHI in Lake Jackson. No matter where she worked, she brought warmth, dedication, and laughter. Outside of work, she cherished time with her friends and family. Her greatest joy came from being “YaYa” — her grandchildren were truly the apple of her eye.
Shirley is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Jordan Patterson; her grandchildren, Jace, Kylie, Aiva, Laila, and JJ; her sister, Betty Wells; her nieces, Alyssa Hall and husband Ryan, and Courtney Laughner and husband Trent; her nephew, Cory Wells and wife Brenda; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Kortlyn, Corban, Parker, Collins, Carter, and AJ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Hazel Johnson.