Shirley "Sam" Bynum-Johnston, Born June 15, 1945, in Graham, Texas, Shirley was the eldest daughter of Frank and Virginia (Dobbs) Rogers. She would later welcome a sister to, Carolyn, and a brother, Ricky. . With their father working various jobs which required moving, Shirley always considered Graham, Texas and Tishomingo, Oklahoma 'home' as it was in those places where family and long-time friends resided.

She became a graduate of Tishomingo High School, where in she was on the yearbook staff, was a Cheer Leader and participated in numerous other activities. After graduation she attended East Central State College, also in Ada, however, it was not long before Shirley traded her formal schooling in for marriage and motherhood. She married James Bynum and they were blessed with a son, Kirk, and twin daughters, Tracee and Stacee. During their growing up years, Shirley was a devoted mother - always putting the needs of her children first.

Shirley worked in Human Resources. She utilized that knowledge to begin a career in the Search and Placement Industry, it was at this time she picked up the nickname "Sam" which is how she is known by colleagues and friends. This grew into an opportunity to partner in an executive search firm, currently known as TaxSearch, Inc. Sam's success gained her significant recognition as she appeared in a 1995 issue of Fortune magazine.

During her time away from the office, Sam might be found bowling, working in her flower gardens or decorating her home. Holidays were always big fun at Sam's house where she beautifully decorated to fit the occasion. As life progressed, Sam found great pleasure in taking an active role in the lives of her grandchildren. It was in recent years that she found joy in snow skiing and golfing. These adventures, she shared with her beloved husband, Jim Johnston, of 23 years.

Strong, passionate, focused, devoted, and driven are words that describe Sam. She was a woman of immense faith, hosting Sunday School and numerous Bible studies. Sam believed that one's past did not dictate their future. Her love of life, family, and friends will certainly be missed by those who knew and loved her in return.