Obituary of Shirley Ann Williams

After a long and beautiful life, Shirley Williams, 86, passed peacefully on February 5, 2022, surrounded by her dear children in a room filled with love. She was the widow of John Williams with whom she shared a wonderful 48-year marriage.

Shirley was born in Jonesboro, Illinois and grew up in Strasburg, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late John and Rose Elam, and sister to her cherished Linda Elam Williams.

She and John raised their family in Herndon, VA then enjoyed retirement and many visits from family and friends in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Shirley was a loving mother to her children Laura Allsopp (Bob, deceased), Scott Williams (Pam) and Stacy Mendler (Mike). And what a Mom-Mom she was to her grandchildren and great grandchildren!: Laura’s Katie Mathis (David) and Jack Allsopp, Scott’s Meghan and her two boys Isaiah and Tacoma, AJ, Kelly, Angie and Charlie (deceased) and Stacy’s Mitch, Jason and David Mendler. Shirley was always up for an adventure, the first to raise her hand for a rousing game of putt-putt, shooting hoops (and making them!), and playing in the surf with the kids at Myrtle. Stories of Mom-Mom will comfort and entertain the family for the rest of their lives.

 In addition to raising her family, Shirley worked as Finance Officer at Herndon Intermediate and Chantilly High School and made many friends at both schools.

Friends were a joyful part of Shirley’s everyday life. Between book club, church groups, lunch bunch, socializing with neighbors, walking her beloved Skeeter and her Herndon Optimist Club days, Shirley always brought people together.

Shirley and family were long-time members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon. When she and John retired, she volunteered, arranged altar flowers and served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach.

Shirley, her playful smile and warm heart will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 1 PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 651 Dranesville Road, Herndon, Virginia. The service will be livestreamed at www.trinityherndon.org. Please click on “the livestream for Shirley Williams memorial service” no earlier than one or two minutes before 1:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org.  Reception to follow, with location and directions provided at service.