Shayna Latrice Johnson

Life’s Journey

Shayna Latrice Johnson

Shayna Latrice Johnson was born on November 20, 1979, in Mobile, Alabama to her parents, Paul E. Johnson, Sr. and Rosemary King Johnson.  She was the second child born in the family. She grew up surrounded by her brothers, Paul, Jr., Gilbert, Herbert, Roylee; and her sisters, Jessica, Kwamesha.  As a child, her mother remembers Shayna, or as she called her “Nay”, as a girlie girl.  She played with barbie dolls and loved everything barbie. She also recalls Shayna being a very picky eater and extremely stubborn.  So stubborn that she wouldn’t even cry when she got in trouble as a small child! Shayna’s father reflects on how intelligent she was even as a young child, so much so that she was enrolled in a school for talented and gifted children where she excelled.  He remembers buying her a bike when she was 8 years old, and Shayna learned to ride that bike without training wheels in 15 minutes! Shayna always wanted to be a model and even had a portfolio of her photoshoot prints. Her siblings assert Shayna has always been the best big sister.  She exceeded any and all expectations anyone had for her in that role as oldest sister.  In fact, one of her brothers remembers Shayna stepping up to help their mother provide for the household and all her siblings.  Giving her entire paycheck to the household even at a young age to help pay bills and put food on the table.  Her youngest brother recollects a moment when they were younger where Shayna scooped him up and ran down the street with him in her arms, saving them from a dog chasing them.  Jessica, her sister, looked up to Shayna.  Growing up they shared a bedroom for most of their lives.  Even though they had ups and downs, as they are both stubborn, Shayna always had her back. If Jessica had a problem, Shayna would solve it. She was the problem solver. Shayna’s other brother fondly remembers Shayna always bringing home dairy queen treats for all the siblings after her shift at the local ice cream shop down the street.  All of her siblings firmly attest that Shayna was always the one everyone knew they could rely on for protection, support, advice, help or anything anyone needed.  She always carried her impeccable sense of style, humor, spunk, and sass throughout her entire life. From her childhood until her last day.

Shayna received her formal education by graduating from Manuel High School in Denver, Colorado.  She furthered her education by earning a bachelor’s in healthcare administration.  At the time of her passing, she was completing course to earn her masters degree from Grand Canyon University.  Achievement was no stranger to Shayna as she maintained straight A’s  while attending all learning institutions. 

Shayna married her former spouse, Joseph L. Martin and they were both the proud parents of Sh’marre and Nashayla. They both adored their children, and enjoyed the precious moments shared together.  Sh’marre remembers her as his biggest cheerleader in school and football.  She was at every game screaming as loud as she could for her boy.  He remembers her as firm but fair although she did not mess around when it came to education.  Both her children remember her stressing how important their education was and ensuring they were set up for success in both their educations.  journey but also in life.   Her son states, “She truly was our superwoman.  Always dedicated to us, our education, and our future”.  Her daughter simply refers to Shayna as her “best friend”.  They were the same person.  So much so that Nashayla is a carbon copy of what Shayna looked like at her age. Her daughter will never forget their long talks and the sense of safety, security, openness and love she felt from her mom.     She most recently was blessed with a granddaughter, Seina who was six months old.

By profession, Shayna has worked for the Denver Public Schools for over 23 years.  Early in her career, she was a special education educator.  She then later became a Restorative Practice Coordinator within the elementary school system.  Her co-workers remember her as always being full of life with an unforgettable smile and laugh.  She had a special touch when working with kids. She was awarded numerous teaching awards and accolades throughout her career.

Shayna was a fun-loving lady, who enjoyed life and those she encircled.  In her free time,  Shayna enjoyed watching her Denver Broncos, hanging with her family, eating, listening to music, watching her shows and just plain relaxing and doing nothing.   Her best friends in life are Ashley Johnson and Jessica Johnson.  Her friends will remember best her sense of humor, her sense of fashion and style, her strength and how incredibly intelligent she was. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman.  To know Shayna was to love her.

Shayna L. Johnson departed this life on August 2, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her 2 children, Sh’marre L. Johnson, and Nashayla K. Martin; their father Joseph L. Martin; her granddaughter, Seina A. Johnson; her parents. Paul E. Johnson, Sr. and Rosemary Johnson; 4 brothers, Paul E. (Carmen) Johnson, Jr., Gilbert L. Johnson, Herbert H. (Chetara) Johnson, Roylee L. (Theda) Johnson; 3 sisters, Jessica O. Johnson, Kwamesha S. Johnson, and Rachel Johnson; her grandmother, Johnnie Mae Wilkerson; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, her students and many friends.