Shirley M. Wilson

Shirley Mae Williams Wilson, aged 79, passed away peacefully Monday morning, August 8th, in her Birmingham home with her loving husband of 60 years, Cecil Wilson. She was born on October 10th, 1936, in Cullman, Alabama, the youngest of John and Arvie Williams’ four children. She graduated from West End High School in Birmingham in 1955, where she met the love of her life. Cecil and Shirley married in 1956 and began their journey together. She worked alongside Cecil in their business, Avondale Wrecker Service, as they raised their children, Roxanne and Michael. Shirley was a devoted mother, participating in all aspects of her children’s lives, always encouraging and sacrificial. Her generous heart filled her home with love that overflowed to family and friends. She later went to work for the Alabama Head Injury Foundation, where she served and ministered to families in difficult situations. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior was evidenced by the way she lived each day. She has been an active member of McElwain Baptist Church since 1970, serving in Sunday school and briefly as its Director. She never met a stranger, greeting everyone with a smile and a hug. Shirley and Cecil were blessed with three grandchildren, Rachel, Mitchell, and Sarah. Shirley’s love for her grandchildren was limitless, she doted on them all. She leaves her husband, children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they are truly loved and they know she loved the Lord.

She is survived by her sister Mary Jo Cook (Shepherd, TX), and her husband Cecil Wilson; her children and their spouses, Roxanne Nix (Bobby) of Leeds, AL and Michael Wilson (Lisa) of Fayetteville, GA; and her three grandchildren, Rachel, Mitchell, and Sarah.

We will be honoring Shirley’s life on Thursday, August 11, at McElwain Baptist Church, 4445 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL, with visitation at 1:00 pm and the service at 2:00 pm. A brief graveside service will follow at Forest Crest Cemetery, 5730 US Hwy 78, Birmingham, AL.