We remember a great supporter of our organization, Shirley Mae Moore Williams. She made her transition and joined the circle of ancestors on June 26, 2019. Her spirit-filled music and movement tribute was held on July 7 to a full sanctuary of family and friends. Memorial Donations to assist in the efforts to continue her ministry and legacy may be made to Wells Fargo Bank or online at gofund me.com/memorial-donation-rev-shirley-Williams.
She moved through her epic life journey with an unparalleled depth of wisdom, wit, and warmth. She was a safe harbor of comfort, care and compassion to all those whose path she crossed. In her presence you were reassured, restored and revived through her generous smile, gentle embrace and gregarious conversation. Throughout her personal and professional experiences, she created life giving, trajectory changing, meaningful investments in the world that surrounded her.
Shirley met Eugene on the Tennessee State University college campus in 1956. From their 64-year union, they raised 5 children and curated a vibrant collective of beautiful, supportive souls.
Shirley Williams came from a long line of gifted African American women found in her mother, aunts, sisters, and cousins who taught her that faith, hope and trust in God and Jesus Christ would be her guide in life. While on her spiritual journey she served in many positions in the local church reaching Lay Leader and Annual Conference Delegate in Nashville and Bethel Springs, Tennessee. She has also served in numerous positions and committees of the District, Tennessee and Memphis Conferences becoming the first African American Dean of the School of Christian Mission of the Tennessee Conference. She was Assistant and Associate Pastor at Braden Memorial as well as Nancy Webb Kelly United Methodist Churches in Nashville, Tennessee. She recently served as Senior Pastor of New Bethel United Methodist Church in Bethel Springs, Tennessee. During her tenure the church was blessed to build a new fellowship hall, birth thriving ministries such as the Seniors Exercise and Lunch Program, Youth Praise Band, Youth Praise Team, Youth Summer Camp, Food Pantry, Family Wednesday Night Meal and Bible Study.
Shirley Williams is preceded in death by Father John Henry Moore, Mother Inez Parsons Moore. In-laws Barney Williams, Callie Matilda Baldridge Williams. Sisters Ida Belle Menzies, Pauline Murphy, Roberta Roland. Brother H.L Moore and Son Nathaniel T. Williams
She leaves a cloud of beloved ones which include: Husband. Sister. Brother. Son. Daughters. She is also adored by a devoted tribe of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
She dreamed of a world full of happy loving people where war was a thing of the past and peace was the only reality. May each of us strive to manifest her divine vision in all that we say and do.
