A Life of Bold Love and Brilliant Legacy: Remembering Sharron Anne “Sherri” Johnson

On Monday, April 6, 2026—the day after Easter—the world lost a woman of extraordinary grace, resilience, and boundless love. Sharron Anne Johnson, known affectionately to many as Sherri, passed away at the vibrant age of 82. Her life was a masterclass in devotion, characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit, a deeply empathetic heart, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Born on August 1, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Engel and Marcella Strittmatter, Sharron’s story was one of enduring connections from the very beginning. She grew up alongside her siblings—the late John Engel, Patrice Denny, and Phil Engel—developing a strong foundation of family loyalty that would guide her throughout her eighty-two years.

A profound love for God anchored Sharron’s life as a Roman Catholic and Christian. Her belief in God was the quiet undercurrent of everything she did, serving as a guiding light for her family and shaping the legacy she leaves behind.

Sharron initially dedicated her life to caring for others through a career in nursing. However, after meeting the love of her life, Charles Johnson, she courageously set aside her nursing career to pour her heart into her family. Chas’s ambitious spirit proved contagious, sparking Sharron’s own extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.

For 35 years, Sharron became a beloved fixture at antique shows, malls, and auditoriums across the United States as the proud founder of "Sherri's Antiques." Specializing in antique jewelry, she wasn't just selling beautiful pieces; she was curating history. 

Yet, for Sherri, this business was profoundly personal. She had a rare, compassionate heart, always ready to listen to the stories of others and offer comfort to those in need, making her work a true ministry of care.

Her creative spirit also found a warm home in the kitchen. Cooking was a cherished pastime that eventually blossomed into a successful catering business for a time.

To her children—Brian Johnson, Marcie (Marcella) Thompson, and Eric Johnson—she was simply "Mom." She loved them with everything she had, instilling in them her powerful, enduring philosophy: to love boldly, to forgive faster, and to carry a strong, unwavering work ethic. Woven into these lessons was the faith she carried, which became the ultimate bedrock of their family.

Sharron’s later years were a profound testament to her incredible resilience. In 2022, she suffered a stroke that paralyzed her right side, but she fiercely battled her way through the recovery. Prior to her stroke and after. Suzie Johnson (daughter n law) and both of her grandchildren- particularly-Amber and Emily dedicated themselves in countless hours to Sharron’s care so she could remain in the comfort of her own home. We all celebrated a short time of her regaining some movement on her right side and proudly standing up during physical therapy. 

Sharron was profoundly grateful for this devoted care, and those intimate days at home held immense importance to her.

In 2024, she moved from Iowa to Texas, spending joyful, precious time living near her daughter, Marcie. During this season of her life, she also grew to cherish the beautiful friendships she cultivated at Orchid Care. A devoted fan of the television show The Golden Girls, Sharron would often tell Marcie how deeply grateful she was for the “extended family” she had found at the facility.

Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis in August 2025, her spirit remained unbroken, sustained by her lifelong trust in the Lord. She spent her sacred, final chapter enjoying life’s simple pleasures: looking through her beautiful antique jewelry with fond memories, playing her favorite games, and, above all, loving her family to the very end.

Sharron is survived by her devoted children, Brian, Marcie, and Eric; her loving siblings, Patrice and Phil; seven beloved grandchildren she poured into and loved on for over 25 + years — (David, Amber, Danny, Chase, Steve, Emily, and Robert); and two precious great-great-grandchildren, Xander and Charlie. Her (daughter in law) Suzie Johnson and (son in law) Kevin Thompson. 

Her passing on the Monday after Easter holds a beautifully poetic significance as the days immediately following Resurrection Sunday represent the ultimate defeat of death and the promise of new life.

 In early Christian traditions, this period is known as "Bright Week," for Sharron it means she closed her eyes to this world just as the celebration of the empty tomb echoed around her, stepping directly into the eternal life she had always believed in.

Sharron Anne Johnson’s impact will echo through the generations and she will forever be remembered, celebrated, and deeply cherished by all who had the great privilege of knowing her.