Mrs. Shirley Gay Williams, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024 surrounded by her family.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 12:00-12:45 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. The service will follow at 1:00 pm in the Chapel.
Born in Tampa, Florida, Shirley was the daughter of the late Isaac Vernon Gay and the late Dorothy Elizabeth Fleetwood Gay. Before moving locally, Shirley was a member of Gretna United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. Shirley and Larry lovingly opened their home to the church’s Senior High School Youth Group and enjoyed many years of ministering to the youth. Shirley retired as a Personal Secretary and later went back to work as a Special Education Teacher’s Aide at Gretna Elementary School. After Larry’s retirement, they moved to the Carolinas to be closer to their children and grandchildren and later settled in Fort Mill. She was affectionately known as “Mammy” and loved taking care of her grandchildren daily and being a loving part of their lives. Shirley and Larry became members of Fort Mill Baptist Church and enjoyed the fellowship. She enjoyed reading the Bible, baking, playing cards and traveling. She and Larry loved to travel with their friends all over the country. After meeting at the age of 14, they were inseparable for their 57 years of marriage.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Larry Williams; sons, Todd Williams (Sasha) of Matthews, NC and Travis Williams (Alyssa) of Fort Mill, SC; her sister, Linda Wishart (Bill) of Ellijay, GA; her brother, Vernon Gay (Bobbie) of Maryville, TN; and four grandchildren, Cole and Skylar Williams and Davis and Haddie Grace Williams.
Memorials may be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital c/o www.st.jude.org or Fort Mill Baptist Church, 121 Monroe White Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
Condolences may be made to the Williams family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.