Science Hill High School

Shirley Chinouth

Shirley Ann Chinouth 1953

The late Shirley Ann Chinouth moved to Johnson City from rural Clinchco, Va., as a wide-eyed 9-year-old in 1944. At her 2002 induction into the Johnson City Parks & Rec Wall of Fame, Chinouth recalled how fascinated she was that the downtown streets were made of brick.

She was so happy in Johnson City, where schools and playgrounds seemed to be everywhere. In her eyes, she said, the streets were paved with gold.

Chinouth helped pave a lot teenagers' futures with her maroon-and-gold spirit at Science Hill. Before she was a fixture in the stands at ballgames, Chinouth was literally a cheerleader at Science Hill. The 1953 alumnus was also an ROTC captain.

"There was not a more spirited person for any school than Shirley," Ferrell Bowman said.

She taught in the Johnson City school system. Chinouth and her husband Jack were always offering support, making the players posters or giving them bubblegum, making yard signs and purchasing monogrammed balls.

Shirley Ann was formally recognized by the football team in 1987 for her devotion. She's been informally adored by countless others.

"Shirley Ann was a true Science Hill fan, not one that was just there when you were winning a lot and doing well," former Science Hill basketball coach George Pitts said. "You knew she was going to be dressed in a maroon and gold outfit sitting in that second row cheering. She genuinely cared about Science Hill. It wasn't for show. I'm tickled to death that I was at Science Hill and had a chance to get to know her."