Lois Helen Johnson Shortt, age 90 of Cornelia, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2016.
Born in Alma, Georgia on October 19, 1925, she was a daughter of the late Corinna Pirkle Johnson and Ashley Johnson. Lois graduated from Alma High School in 1942. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a BS in Education in Physical Education and English in 1946. During her time at UGA, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Lois taught high school in Bacon County and Habersham County, but retired to help her husband, Bill Shortt, advance his career.
Lois and Bill were married February 1, 1947, and had a partnership for the rest of their lives. They traveled the world over a span of 45 years, visiting every continent and 87 countries. Upon his death, Lois continued to travel with her children and friends at every opportunity.
Lois was a pillar of the community wherever she lived. She was a Cub Scout leader in Massachusetts. After settling in Cornelia, Ga in 1959, she was an active member of Cornelia United Methodist Church and served on every committee several times. For many years, she taught an exercise class through the church that was extremely popular.
Even though she was no longer an active teacher, she stayed involved with the school system by mentoring young people as well as working with the literacy program. One of her passions was being a Girl Scout leader, and the Cornelia Girl Scout Troop 41 was heavily influenced by her leadership and example. She continued to host annual reunions at her house until one month ago. She was very active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and the PTA.
Being generous and sharing her talent and resources was very important to her. She mentored countless young people over the years and touched many people’s lives in a myriad of ways. Lois had a passion for improving people’s lives and her door was always open to those that were important to her. She had a passion for playing bridge and was a voracious reader. Lois and Bill established a scholarship in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Georgia to give others a chance to achieve their dreams in Education. She met some of the recipients in the past year and was very proud of her role in their lives.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William J. “Bill” Shortt; brothers, Stanley, Don, Max & Jerry Johnson; sister, Joyce Jones.
Survivors include her son & daughter-in-law, Sid and Sherry Shortt of Helen; daughter and companion, Sylvia Shortt and Robin Mullinix of Watkinsville; granddaughter, Marisol Vazquez of Watkinsville; many beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday September 24, 2016 at Cornelia United Methodist Church with the Pastor Johnny Ray and Dr. Jay Hughes officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
For those who want to honor Lois’s legacy with a gift, they should make their checks payable to The University of Georgia Foundation and in the memo line write the Lois and William Shortt Fellowship (7276400). People can give online to their fund directly here: https://gail.uga.edu/giving/coe/lois-johnson-and-william-jasper-shortt-fellowship-in-physical-education-endowment.
You may also send a check to:
Attn: Elizabeth Kozak
UGA College of Education
G2 Aderhold Hall
Athens, GA 30602
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
