Shirley Ann Matthews Williams

Obituary For Shirley Ann Matthews Williams

Shirley Ann Matthews Williams of Masury, OH departed this life on April 2, 2025, at the home of her daughter Sherry L. Venable in Columbus, OH. Shirley Williams was born August 4, 1934, to James Elmer Matthews and Sadie Viola McKinney Matthews of Sharon, PA. Mrs. Williams was the last survivor out of twelve children.

She graduated from the Sharon School System Sharon, PA in 1953 and received an associate degree from Penn State University Sharon, PA.

She gave her heart to the Lord as a youngster and was a lifetime member and pianist at Cedar Avenue Church of God. She also was the pianist at several other congregations in Warren and Youngstown, OH for several years. Shirley served as one of the Mothers at Cedar Avenue Church of God and co-chairman of the Super Seniors Group of CACOG.

Shirley was a member of the Local Branch of the NAACP and served as the president of the Women’s Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Shenango Valley Investment club, an avid bowler and participated in several bowling leagues at Sunset Lanes, being awarded many trophies.

She was employed at G.C. Murphy, Co, J.C. Penny Co, as a clerk; The Winner International, as a customer service representative; Sharon Steel Corporation as an administration clerk for 10 years and secretary for the National Association of The Church of God in West Middlesex, PA.

In 1959 Shirley married Allen “SMILEY” Williams of Farrell, PA a well-known brick/stone mason who also worked at Sharon Steel Corporation. He preceded her in death on January 2, 2014. To this union four children were born: Allen Douglas (Cheryl) Williams Chesterfield, VA; Gina Williams Green; Sherry Louise (Troy) Venable, Columbus, OH; Matthew McKinney (Toinina) Williams Chesterfield, VA.; twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

As time passed, Shirley truly enjoyed getting together with or talking on the phone with her dear friends LaVerne “Bunny” Porter, Geraldine “Geri” Dunnavant, Carrie Allen, Helen Mitchell, Fran Mitchell, Amelia “Mitsi” Whiteside, Dorothy Massey, and her sister- in- law Dorothy Matthews, who all also preceded her into eternity.

Shirley leaves to cherish precious memories and moments with her four children and their descendants, three sisters-in-law Laureta Matthews (Shelton), Shirley Jean Matthews (Walter), Faythe Matthews (William); one brother-in- law Uncle Douglas Williams, and a HOST of caring cousins, nieces (especially Veretta Matthews), nephews (especially (Wallace Matthews); and many friends, especially Mrs. Beverly Douthit, Gloria McFarland and her prayer partner Mother Martha Martin with whom she prayed every Thursday faithfully. Special care given by Daniel and Donnie Whitehead, Rev. Clarence Dixon, Darwin Ulmer, Keith Cooper, Diane Olson, Care 360 Team Aids Sam Brooks, Tina, Gina and Elisha.

As Shirley crossed the celestial sands into eternity, she was reunited with her loving husband Allen “SMILEY” Williams; parents James and Sadie McKinney Matthews; sisters- Gertrude Elizabeth (James) Dixon; Baby Mary Matilda Matthews; Brothers – James Mendez (Katherine/Betty) Matthews, Harold Emmet (Ruth) Matthews, Shelton McKinney Matthew, William Franklin (Dorothy) Matthews, Kenneth Truman (Gloria) Matthews, Elmer Earl “Doc” (Jeanette) Matthews, Walter Edward “Jeep” Matthews, Carl Theodore “Champ” Matthews, Clarence Roy (Nan) Matthews, and a grandson Matthew McKinney Williams Jr.

Shirley's faith and dedication to her church community will be honored in a Celebration of Life service that will take place on Saturday April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Avenue Church of God, 1045 Cedar Ave, Sharon PA, where she found solace and inspiration throughout her life for public viewing and family visitation. Pastor Charles W. Johnson Sr. will officiate the ceremony at 11:00 a.m., reflecting on the blessings Mother Shirley brought to those who knew her.

Following the service, there will be a committal service and Shirley will be laid to rest at Morefield Cemetery in Hermitage, PA. Her spirit, rich with the memories of shared laughter and unwavering support, will continue to live on in the hearts of her loved ones and all who had the honor of knowing her.

In these moments of remembrance, we celebrate not only Shirley's life but her enduring impact on all of us. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished. The Matthews Family have been Celebrating 139 years of Precious Moments in time with family that uplifts and inspires from August 14, 1886 – April 2, 2025, and continuing.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Mother Shirley Ann Matthews Williams elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 1059 Hamilton Ave, Farrell PA, 16121 Phone (724) 983-1523

Services will be livestreamed on the Facebook Page of C.F. Entertainment & Promotion - Farrell PA

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