Shirley Johnson Varni, 88, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, surrounded by her family and her beloved husband of 66 years, Gerard Varni. She was born on December 31, 1937, in Century, Florida, to Frazier and Grace Johnson.

Shirley was a woman of deep faith, fierce love, determination, and unwavering positivity. Her greatest joy was her family, and she devoted her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her greatest adventure began when she met Gerard while he was attending Naval flight school in Pensacola, Florida. They married in Kingsville, Texas, on September 16, 1960, and spent their 66 years together building a loving family and making a home wherever Gerard’s Naval career took them. After his time in the Navy, his work with Kodak on the NASA account eventually brought them back to Florida. Through every move and every chapter of their lives, Shirley created a faith-filled home and kept her family at the center of it.

Shirley’s determination and perseverance were especially evident in her decision to finish her college degree. She began her studies at Auburn University early on. After raising her four children, she returned to college and earned her degree in education from Sam Houston State University. She remained a true War Eagle at heart throughout her life.

After her children were grown, Shirley worked for Xerox, but education was always her passion. When the family moved to Cocoa Beach, she began her teaching career at McNair Middle School in Cocoa. Her lasting impact on her students came full circle when one of her former students later cared for Shirley during her final months. After retiring from McNair, Shirley returned to the classroom once again, teaching at Our Saviour Catholic School in Cocoa Beach where her great grandchildren presently attend.

She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and believed in the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Shirley had an extraordinary ability to find the good in everyone. She loved to brag about her family, much to the embarrassment of her children, who came to treasure it as one of their fondest memories. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader and helped each of them believe in themselves.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Noni, a name she proudly embraced as part of the Italian family she had married into. Being Noni was one of the great joys of her later years and she poured the same contagious love, encouragement and pride into the next generations.

Shirley’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She taught CCD at Holy Name Catholic Church and believed firmly in putting God and family first. Her advice was often simple and heartfelt: “Go to church and pray.”

Just days before her passing, Shirley and Gerard celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. Their priest bestowed a special blessing in celebration of their enduring love and commitment.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Frazier and Grace Johnson, and her beloved son, Andrew Stephen Varni II.

She is survived by her husband, Gerard Varni; her children, Kathleen Varni Watson of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Keith Varni (Jenny) of Dallas, Texas, and Patrick Varni (Suzanne) of Sugar Land, Texas, Andrew's wife, Desiree; and her 13 grandchildren: Andrew Varni III, Chase Varni, Ryanna Varni, Nicholas Watson (Carleigh), Matthew Watson (Krissy), Christopher Watson, Michael Watson, Brandt Varni (Christy), Kyle Varni (Samantha), Jaxson Varni (Sam), Bryce Varni (Valeria), Grant Varni, and Cole Varni. She also leaves six great-grandchildren: Riley Watson, Charlotte Watson, Jack Watson, Bennett Varni, Collin Varni, and Caroline Varni, with Margaret Rose Watson and another great-granddaughter arriving soon.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Beth, Debbie, Debra, Shakira, and all of the caregivers and staff of VITAS for the compassion, dedication, and kindness they showed Shirley and her family during her final year.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Her cremains will be interred at Our Saviour’s Memorial Garden following the Mass, with a reception afterward at Kathleen’s home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Shirley’s memory to Our Saviour Catholic School at: oursaviourschool.org/donate

Shirley will be deeply missed and forever cherished by the family she so greatly loved.