Jane Ledbetter Shirley

Jane L. Shirley went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 9, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia, surrounded by her daughters. She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved husband Frank, her son, and many cherished family members and friends who went before her.

Jane was born in 1935 in Belton, South Carolina, to JB and Mary Ledbetter. From an early age, her life was rooted in her faith in Christ—a faith that guided her every step and shaped the way she loved others. Through her devotion to God, she met the love of her life and together they shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters and built a life centered on family, faith, and service.

Soon after they married, Frank was called into the ministry, and Jane faithfully walked beside him for the next 50 years. Their journey took them to churches in South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia. Together they ministered to countless people through prayer, encouragement, and hospitality.

Jane believed her church family was an extension of her own, and it was through the church that she and Frank welcomed their third daughter Linda into their hearts. She never missed an opportunity to share her love for God or to encourage others with kindness and grace.

Jane also found great joy in her garden, diligently tending it and sharing the fruits and vegetables she harvested with friends and neighbors. Her home was a gathering place—where the kitchen was always busy, the games were always ready, and everyone was welcome.

Her life reflected the scripture she held close:

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

— Psalm 18:2

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, her daughter, and her special son.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Tom (Nancy); her daughters, Beverly (Steve) and Susan (Joe); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her love, faith, and spirit with them.

A memorial service will be held on February 7 at 2:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory, Williamsburg, where family and friends will gather in thanksgiving for a life well lived in faithful service to the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse: https//www.samaritanspurse.org Jane Shirley Memorial page.