Shirley Witcher

Shirley Witcher-Peoples was born on May 14, 1951, in Ensley, Alabama to the late Ellis and Annie Dawson. She was one of twelve children blessed to this union. She carried the memories of her mother and father with her throughout her life. While their absence was felt, she often spoke of them with warmth and gratitude, holding close the lessons and love they shared.

Shirley professed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined Northport A.O.H.Church of God under the leadership of the late Elder J.C. Hardy.

Later in life she joined The Apostolic Believers Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Pastors Carl and Regina Peoples; where she remained a faithful and devoted member until God called her home. Shirley was a true servant of God, and she professed her faith consistently. She loved to sing praises to the most high, either singing around the house or beside her husband with the White Eagles Gospel Singers.

Shirley was a devoted & loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, & friend. The loss we feel today is deep and profound, yet her legacy does not end here. It continues in the countless lives she touched, in the values she demonstrated, and in the love, she gave so freely. Her journey was marked by compassion, resilience, and quiet strength. She faced life's challenges with grace and met its joys with a grateful heart.

Those who knew her will remember her not only for what she did, but for who she was - genuine, loving caring, and full of God's grace. Though we grieve her absence, we honor her by carrying forward the kindness she showed, the love she modeled, and the integrity she lived by. Her memory will continue to inspire strength in times of difficulty and gratitude in moments of joy. She will always be remembered with deep love and

Shirley was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather and grandmother: Frank & Littie Lyons, her paternal grandfather and grandmother; Ben & Nancy Dawson, her father and mother; Ellis & Annie Dawson, two brothers; Ellis Dawson Jr. & Terry Dawson, five aunts; Carrie Brown, Jannie Smaw, Wilmon Lyons, Plinnie Spencer, & Queen Ester Smith, a special cousin; Thelma Spencer Weaver, and her first husband; Freddie Witcher, Jr. whom we take comfort in knowing all welcomed her in heaven with open arms. Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in the memories she left behind.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband: Riley Peoples, a daughter, Denise (Cleon) Witcher, a granddaughter: Asia Ware, two granddaughters: Autumn & Raleigh Norwood, all of Tuscaloosa, AL; nine brothers and sisters: Eddie James (Mary) Dawson of Ft. Payne, AL, Geneva Dawson of Birmingham, AL, Dorothy (Robert) Smith of Tuscaloosa, AL, Alvin Dawson, Vanessa (Keith Young, Larry (Annice) Dawson, Randy (Linda) Dawson, Dollie (Andra) Dawson, Cedric (Johnette) Dawson all of Birmingham, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Her spirit will live on in every shared story, every echo of laughter, and every act of love inspired by her example. We will forever carry her in our hearts.

Public visitation will be on Monday, July 6, 2026, 4:00pm-6:00pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 1pm at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Gardens.The body will lie in state 1 hour prior to service.