Shirley Thomas Williams

A woman of remarkable drive, artistic talent, and unwavering faith, she leaves behind a legacy defined by the "spirit of excellence" she brought to every facet of her life. Born in Cameron, North Carolina, on June 30, 1939, Mama was the daughter of the late Melvin Curtis Thomas and Ruby Cooper Thomas, and the beloved wife of the late Ray Williams of Hamlet, NC. Growing up on a North Carolina farm in a large family of 12 brothers and sisters, she developed the tireless work ethic that would define her future success.

A 1957 graduate of Cameron High School, Mama was well-known for her beautiful voice. As a member of the girls’ quartet, “The Bobby Sockers,” she performed on Saturday morning radio programs and traveled to sing for servicemen, sharing a gift for music that stayed with her throughout her life. Mama was a visionary who possessed a sharp mind for business. During her many years in Sanford, North Carolina, she established her own real estate firm. Not content to simply sell homes, she obtained her Contractor’s and Insurance licenses, eventually building numerous houses and developing her own neighborhood. She was a pioneer

who proved that with drive and determination, one could build a world of their own making.

In later years, Mama moved to Pinehurst and eventually retired to Ocean Isle with Ray. Together, they shared a love for the social rhythms of North Carolina life—playing golf and spending evenings shagging to beach music. Mama felt most at home in the coastal breeze, finding peace in the smell of sea salt air, and the warmth of the sun.

Mama truly embodied the heart of a Proverbs 31 woman. Whether she was rising early to pray for her neighbors and reading her Bible, or staying up late to cook for a sick friend, her hands were never idle. She was a master in the kitchen, legendary for her biscuits and gravy and her apple dumplings. In the garden, she possessed a "green thumb" that seemed almost magical; anything she touched blossomed into vibrant life. Her nurturing spirit extended to all of God's creatures. Mama loved animals deeply; you could often find her outside feeding the deer, raccoons, and other wild animals that visited her yard. She also had a special place in her heart for

cats, adopting and tenderly taking care of many of them over the years. Her creativity extended to the page and the piano. An accomplished writer, she penned her own memoir along with

countless poems and stories. At home, her grand piano was often graced with the scores of classical masterpieces, Broadway show tunes, and beloved hymns—many of which she could play perfectly by ear, and she was an expert at reading music. Her worth was far above rubies; she was a treasure to our family and a pillar of our community. Mama was a provider of comfort and stability, a woman whose advice offered clarity and whose kindness never wavered. Her legacy is not found in the titles she held or the homes she built, but in the lives she touched and the family she built on a

foundation of love. Mama’s greatest joy was found in her children: engaging in heartfelt conversations with her son Jeff in the quiet of

her living room, helping her son David with yard sales, making music with her daughter Susan, and leaving a legacy of passion for painting and building things through her son, Donald.

She is survived by her children: Jeffrey Vance Cox of Eastover, NC; Donald Curtis Cox (Cindy) of Little River, SC; David Steven Cox of Shallotte, NC; and Susan Cox Hamilton (Don) of North Myrtle Beach, SC. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Cristin Banks (Gary), Tiffany Jackson, David Cox, Jr. (Ashley), Charles Hamilton (Alston), Meredith Griffin (Tyler), Christian Hamilton (Alexis), Daniel Cox, and Hunter Cox; and her great-grandchildren: Gregory Banks, Larry Banks, Matthew Jackson, Henry Hamilton, Peter Hamilton, Miles Hamilton, Felicity Hamilton, Cooper Hamilton, Eli Cox, Caleb Cox, Sophia Cox, Enki Sweet, Ophelia Sweet, and Will

Watson. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Carol Scott and her brothers, Max Thomas and Gary “Sandy” Thomas.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ray Williams; her brothers, Bobby, Daniel, Henry, John, James ("Toopie"), and Paul Thomas (Martha); and her sisters, Dorothy Gaddy, Margaret Sanders, and Rebecca Carlyle. She will also be missed by many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and the numerous friends she made over the years.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Cameron Town Cemetery located behind Cameron Presbyterian Church at 600 Carthage Street, Cameron, NC.

Floral donations may be sent to White Funeral and Cremation Service, 4690 East Coast Lane, Shallotte, North Carolina 28470. They will accompany Mrs. Williams to her graveside service.

"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:31)

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte, North Carolina