Shirley Johnson Smith was born July 28th, 1925 in Flint Michigan. She was one of 5 children. Shirley married Ernest E. Smith on June 20th, 1942 in North Carolina right after Ernest completed some of his Marine Corps training. While Ernest finished his tour of duty, Shirley became one of a group of women collectively known as "Rosie the Riveter" working in General Motors factories making parts for the war machine. Ernie and Shirley spent their working years in the food and beverage industry. They moved from Denver to Carson City in 1976. They finished their careers many years alter working at Cactus Jacks Casino running the cafe. They were a great team. For several years before Shirley passed we had a lot of help caring for and entertaining her from the employees and customers of Stockmans Casino in Fallon, Nevada. Our caregiver , Mercedes Rodrigues took great care of my wife Lola, and our mom Shirley keeping them comfortable and pain free during their final days. Ernie and Shirley had four children, Melody, Brent, Mark and Matt. We love you mom. Till we meet again.
