Mrs. Shirley McKendree Williams, age 70, of Fernandina Beach, joined the Lord on Thursday evening, April 14, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau.
Born in Fernandina Beach on September 16, 1945, she was the oldest of three children born to the late CA "Mac" McKendree and Joyce McKendree Gould. She graduated from Fernandina High School in 1963, where she was a cheerleader for the Varsity football team and met her high school sweetheart, James "Butch" Williams.
After Butch graduated in 1964, the two married and had 3 sons; James "Jay" Williams, Jr. (Tammy), Eric "Craig" Williams (Andrea), and John "Jody" Williams (Morgan). Shirley raised her sons and kept a loving home in Fernandina Beach, where she pursued many entrepreneurial interests. From owning and operating a laundromat, cleaning service, gourmet gift basket delivery service, and wallpaper installation company, Shirley was an intrepid and savvy businesswoman who could always recognize an opportunity.
Shirley and Butch were also devoted to their faith in God, attending church as members at Springhill Baptist Church, Amelia Baptist Church, and later at First Baptist Church. Shirley was an active member and held leadership positions in Aglow, an evangelical outreach group dedicated to spreading the Gospel and teaching God's word. She sang alto as a member of the choir at both Springhill Baptist Church and Amelia Baptist Church.
Mrs. Williams leaves behind her loving husband and sons, sister Gail McKendree Yamnitz (John) of St. Augustine, and brother Gary McKendree (Pauline) of Fernandina Beach; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and life long friends.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, with visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to First Baptist Church.