The family of Shirley Williams is heartbroken to announce her passing on December 12, 2025, at the age of 85. She died at home on a quiet afternoon, surrounded by the people she had spent a lifetime loving. Born in New Orleans on May 14, 1940, Shirley grew up on a shotgun block in the Seventh Ward and rarely strayed far from the city that shaped her, and that she, in many small ways, helped to shape in return.
Shirley was the third of seven children in a close-knit Creole family, and the first to go to college. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy in 1958, she earned her bachelor's degree in English from Dillard University and went on to teach sixth-grade language arts in the Orleans Parish public schools for forty-one years. Thousands of students passed through her classroom, and she was still correcting their grammar at the grocery store well into retirement. She was named Teacher of the Year twice and was honored by her former students with a surprise reunion on her eightieth birthday.
Her life outside the classroom was just as full. Shirley was a serious home cook whose gumbo recipe is guarded like a family heirloom, and she rose before dawn on Mardi Gras morning to start the red beans. She sang alto in the choir at St. Peter Claver for more than fifty years, volunteered every Saturday at the Ozanam Inn, and in her later years took up ceramics, watercolor, and, briefly and unsuccessfully, the accordion. She read constantly, kept up a lively correspondence with cousins in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, and never met a crossword puzzle she couldn't finish.
She is survived by her four children, Vernon, Marcus, Yvette, and Camille; thirteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She leaves behind her sister Loretta, dozens of nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of neighbors and friends who were lucky enough to sit at her Sunday table. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-seven years, Calvin Williams, and by her parents and three siblings.
Shirley Williams lived a life measured not in miles but in meals shared, lessons taught, and hands held. She was, from beginning to end, a New Orleans woman, and the city is quieter without her in it.
Those who wish to honor Shirley's memory are invited to .
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Grew up two houses down from Shirley in the '60s. She was the older kid who taught me how to ride a bike without training wheels, and she never let me forget it. Decades later, she still signed every Christmas card 'your bike-riding teacher.' Goodbye, old friend.
Shirley's voice in the choir is what I'll miss most. Steady alto, never missed a rehearsal, always the first to welcome a newcomer into the pew beside her. She lived her faith the way she lived everything else: warmly.
My mom babysat Shirley's grandkids sometimes, and I got to know her through those afternoons. She always remembered my birthday, even after I moved away. That's who she was. Sending love to the whole family.
Our book club met on Thursdays for fifteen years, and Shirley was the heart of every meeting. She could argue passionately about a novel and then pour you another glass of wine and laugh it off. Rest easy, my friend.
I worked with Shirley at the library for eleven years. She had a gift for knowing exactly what someone needed to read before they knew it themselves. Quiet, patient, sharp as anything. The world is a little dimmer without her.
Shirley was the kind of neighbor you only get once in a lifetime. Twenty-three years across the street from her, and not a single one where she didn't wave from the porch or bring over something from her garden. I'll miss her more than I can say.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. Her infectious laughter and 'quiet strength' were truly a gift to everyone lucky enough to know her. Sending my heartfelt love and prayers to Jordan, Johnathan, Betty, and the entire family.
I am heartbroken to hear about Shirley. Sitting next to her at the wheel was the highlight of my week. She had such a gentle touch with the clay, just as she did with people. We shared so many laughs over lopsided bowls and cracked glazes. The studio won't be the same without her radiant spirit. She was truly a masterpiece of a friend.
Shirley was such a kind and wonderful soul. I am grateful for the years of friendship we shared. She will be deeply missed. Sending love to the family.
Grew up two houses down from Shirley in the '60s. She was the older kid who taught me how to ride a bike without training wheels, and she never let me forget it. Decades later, she still signed every Christmas card 'your bike-riding teacher.' Goodbye, old friend.
Shirley's voice in the choir is what I'll miss most. Steady alto, never missed a rehearsal, always the first to welcome a newcomer into the pew beside her. She lived her faith the way she lived everything else: warmly.
My mom babysat Shirley's grandkids sometimes, and I got to know her through those afternoons. She always remembered my birthday, even after I moved away. That's who she was. Sending love to the whole family.
Our book club met on Thursdays for fifteen years, and Shirley was the heart of every meeting. She could argue passionately about a novel and then pour you another glass of wine and laugh it off. Rest easy, my friend.
I worked with Shirley at the library for eleven years. She had a gift for knowing exactly what someone needed to read before they knew it themselves. Quiet, patient, sharp as anything. The world is a little dimmer without her.
Shirley was the kind of neighbor you only get once in a lifetime. Twenty-three years across the street from her, and not a single one where she didn't wave from the porch or bring over something from her garden. I'll miss her more than I can say.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. Her infectious laughter and 'quiet strength' were truly a gift to everyone lucky enough to know her. Sending my heartfelt love and prayers to Jordan, Johnathan, Betty, and the entire family.
I am heartbroken to hear about Shirley. Sitting next to her at the wheel was the highlight of my week. She had such a gentle touch with the clay, just as she did with people. We shared so many laughs over lopsided bowls and cracked glazes. The studio won't be the same without her radiant spirit. She was truly a masterpiece of a friend.
Shirley was such a kind and wonderful soul. I am grateful for the years of friendship we shared. She will be deeply missed. Sending love to the family.
