Shirley Marie Howard

Shirley Marie (Johnson) Howard also known as "The Hat Lady", was born on May 28, 1952 in Midland, Texas to Richard Johnson and Mattie Maxwell Johnson Thomas. She peacefully passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 surrounded by family.

She attended schools in the Midland Independent School District and graduated from Midland High School where she participated in sports. She was baptized at an early age and was a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Rev. W.C. Keenan. Shirley was also a lifelong Girl Scout and served as a counselor and nurse for several years in both Texas and Oklahoma. She received her degree from Texas Women's University and worked as a nurse at various hospitals in Texas and Oklahoma, including Midland Memorial Hospital.

After retiring from nursing, Shirley became passionate about education and dedicated herself to helping at-risk students in the Midland community. She started as a bus driver and used that role to encourage student enrollment in schools. She worked for Midland ISD for 24 years and was well-known for her strong leadership skills and advocacy for children, senior citizens, and educators.

Shirley served on numerous community boards, including the Red Cross, United Navy, Parks and Recreation, Washington Swimming Pool, Midland Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, and also served as Board President. She was also the driving force behind the Women of Color Civil and Social Club, where she served as president. She was also a member of the Friendly Ladies Crew and Social Club, Federation Woman's Clubs, Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, and an Eastern Star member of Sojourner's Truth.

Shirley often stated that she was a "yellow dog Democrat" and not a politician, but an organizer. She was proud to have attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama and a National Black Caucus banquet. She also served on the Texas State Teachers Association board of directors as an E.S.P.E at large, where she served on many committees and was the vice chair of the Black Caucus. She was honored by T.S.T.A. as the E.S.P. of the Year.

She served two terms on the Texas Teacher Retirement System and received numerous honors and recognitions at the state and national level, including Volunteer of the Year, United Way Blue Print, Jefferson Award (MRT), Women of Distinction and Women of the Year (Federation Women). She had a love for travel and fond memories of trips to Hawaii, Germany, and Washington D.C.

Her passing is mourned by her family, friends, and community. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard L. Johnson, in 1957; mother, Mattie Mae Maxwell Johnson Thomas in 2008; stepfather, James B. Thomas, in 2001; brothers Richard L. Johnson (1999), Claude Lee Johnson (2013), and Bobby Johnson (2013); and sisters Ann Marie Johnson (1954), Phyllis Kay Johnson (1996), and Phyllis Kay Johnson (1996).

She is survived by her husband, Steward Howard of Midland, TX; daughter, Ereka Howard; son, Donet'a Howard, three stepsons: Gary Howard (Monica) of Dallas, TX; Albert L. Howard (Nichole) of Dallas, TX; and Marcus Howard (Daniella) of Chicago, IL; siblings Clyde Miller (Sharon) of Dallas, TX; Glen Johnson (Ada) of Fayetteville, NC; Larry Brackens of Round Rock, TX; and Christi (Clifton) Whittley of Midland, TX. She also leaves behind her goddaughter, Demetria Moore of Gainesville, FL; and special daughter La Carla Howard.