Shirley Watson Williams transitioned to her new home unexpectedly on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, VA. Shirley was born in Meherrin, VA to the late Willie and Mary Ellen Watson.

When the Prince Edward County Public Schools closed, Shirley moved to Morristown, New Jersey to attend school and later returned to Meherrin, VA.

Shirley was employed at the Bassett Furniture (Burkeville Veneer) in Burkeville, VA where she was a faithful employee until its closing in 1997. She then worked doing factory work at multiple factories with her last being the Appomattox River Company in Keysville, VA where she was a Line-Leader / Machine Operator until her retirement.

Even after retirement Shirley couldn’t not sit still and often spent her days helping others, whether it was sitting with them, helping them run errands or just being a riding partner to different locations.

Shirley became a member of the New Bethel Church in Meherrin, VA; however, by Christian experience she became a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Pamplin, VA, where she served in many roles and remained a faithful member until her passing.

Shirley enjoyed visiting different churches and attending a good gospel singing. She also loved spending time with her family and friends as well as cooking a good meal with her favorite being hamburger and gravy or smothered chicken / pork chops with a cold Mountain Dew.

Shirley had a love for children and many neighborhood children referred to her as “mom” “grandma” or “granny.”

Shirley was preceded in death by Nakia Williams (Son), Erica “Novaa” Boykin (Great-grandchild), Brothers Cecil and Roscoe Watson, Sisters Pamela Ross and Vickie Watson and loving companion of 39 years Leroy Marshall.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children Sharniece “Risha” (Kwame) Earley, Keith (La’Tricia) Williams, Toni Watson and Ryan “Ronnie” (Cathleen) Watson.

Her Grandchildren: Latoya, Lorenzo (Asia), Eric (Kayla), Lemondre, Jaqua’,Stefhan Sr., Keiana, ShaKeyah, KwaNaysha, KaVares, Zipporah and Dayveon.

Great grandchildren Adrian, Ayden, Layla, Mahdesty, Nyzaiah, Laikyn, Stefhan Jr. Landen, Nyeria, and Kaiden

Great great grandchildren: JaCari and Kingston.

She also leaves to cherish her memories, a stepmother Shirley Jennings, her siblings, Mary “Peggy” Ford, John “Edward” Watson, Angela (Jeff) Foster, Elder Denise (Earl) Monroe and Jerry (Rev. Irma) Watson. Sister-in-law‘s Rose and Diane Watson along with the host of nieces, nephews uncles cousins and friends.

To my family

MISS ME BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not for long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

“Miss me, but let me go.”

For this journey that we all must take

And each must go alone;

It's all a part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

Love Shirley “Tabby”

Funeral Services for Ms. Shirley Watson Williams will be held Saturday Sept 21, 2024 at 11am at the Zion Baptist Church in Pamplin Virginia. A public viewing will be Friday from 2-6pm.