Shirley M. Williams 1935-2020
SEBRING — Shirley Mae Williams, 85, peacefully went to be with her personal Lord and Savior Monday evening, Dec. 7, 2020. Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Shirley was born April 6, 1935, in Salem, to Jay and Wilma Bricker. At just 6 years of age, Shirley began taking care of the house and caring for her younger siblings, Nancy, Abe and Ronnie, after her mother’s passing. Although many moments of Shirley’s life were faced with adversity, she notably discovered simple, meaningful ways to bless and serve those around her.
After high school, Shirley attended nursing school, and upon graduating, married the love of her life, Charles Williams in 1956. The two spent nearly 65 years of marriage together and faithfully served one another, their church, their family and their community. The two were richly blessed with five daughters, Betty Holliday (Michael), Bonnie Callahan (Timothy), Marsha Wilson (Thomas), Diane Krumpak (William) and Joyce Stoffer; which gave way to nine grandchildren, Ryan Holliday (Emily), Kyle Holliday (Sarah), Kenton Holliday (Kaylee), Connor Holliday, Sarah Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Cole Krumpak, Ellen Matlock (Ryan) and Ross Stoffer (Sydni); and seven great-grandchildren, Whitney, Wesley, Owen, Jake, Will, Nora and Evie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Wilma Bricker; her stepmother, Mary Bricker; and infant brother, Dale Roger.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Charles Williams; her brothers, Ronald and Charles; her sister, Nancy Dudley; and stepsisters, Marianne Vandenburgh and Jeanette McKenzie.
More than anything, Shirley was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a kind-hearted servant to all. Without hesitation she was willing to lend a helping hand, and did so with a smile. Shirley was a steadfast member of East Goshen Friends and Damascus Friends Churches for many years, where numerous lives were impacted by her care, compassion and generosity. Additionally, Shirley faithfully gave 31 years of service as a nurse at the Salem Community Hospital and served 10-plus more at the Alliance City Hospital. Selfless and kind, Shirley cared greatly for those around her, loved well and sought to meet the needs of others with little or with much.
Shirley always took the time to relish and enjoy the simple touches of heaven here on earth. Whether it be a beautiful sunset, the singing of the birds, the changing of the leaves or two-tenths inches of rain in the rain gauge, she saw the joy of the Lord, His faithfulness, and she beckoned others to it.
As a faithful follower of Jesus, adoring wife, caring mother, grandmother and friend to all, her legacy is one that will live on in the hearts of many for years to come.
To honor and celebrate the life of Shirley Williams, a memorial service will be held at the Damascus Friends Church 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Because of Shirley’s care and concern for all people, and out of respect for family and friends, masks and social distancing will be required by those attending. The memorial service will also be available through a live stream found under Shirley’s obituary at www.grfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations in Shirley’s honor to be sent to the Damascus Friends Church Mission Fund.
You may sign the guest register and view the obituary online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring, 330-938-2526.
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