Shirley Anne (Bell) Williams

Shirley Ann Williams, born Shirley Ann Belle on July 5, 1952, in Milford, Delaware, entered into eternal rest on August 28, 2025, in Federalsburg, Maryland, at the age of 73.

Shirley was a woman of quiet strength, perseverance, and grace. Throughout her life, she faced many hardships with courage and dignity, and she carried herself with a steady presence that touched those around her. Her journey was marked by resilience and an ability to endure, leaving behind an example of strength for her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Pamela Leslie Bell Spicer Palmer and Joanna Latrice Payton. Left to carry her memory forward are her children: Orlando Payton, Lionel Payton, and Lashica Payton.

Her life was further blessed through her grandchildren: Sha’Torya Pinder, Sha’Vone Morris, and Darius Curtis (children of Pamela); Lamar Arrington and Donshay Payton (children of Joanna); Nasir Payton (child of Lashica); and Jirah Ross, Jasmine Payton, Jyasia Payton, Jamiah Payton, Javir Payton, and Jaionna Payton (children of Orlando).

Shirley also cherished the friendships she built throughout her lifetime. Among them, her bond with Rosetta Demby was especially meaningful. Rose was like a sister to Shirley — they worked side by side, shared life’s ups and downs, and were rarely apart. Their sisterhood was a constant source of strength and joy in Shirley’s life.

She is remembered with love and gratitude by many other special friends: Pamela Beasley, Lisa Harry, Richard Peterson, Catherine Dawson, May Catherine Little John, Aspynn Phelps, Stoni Phelps (affectionately known as “Rose’s Special Nephews”); Joe Little, Nancy Little, Connie Little, Brad Twanty, and Leslie Twany (all from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints); Dontray and Samantha McNamara, Charlene Seth, Shawn Frazier, and Evon Cannon (Mother of New Life Church); Reverend Mary Elliott, Tina Grule, and Theresa Thomas, affectionately known as “Ms. Reet.”

Faith was an important part of Shirley’s life. She was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, worshipping in both Cambridge, MD, and Seaford, DE, for over two decades. She later attended New Life Church in Federalsburg, MD, under the leadership of Bishop DaShon Ennals and Chadney Ennals, where she remained active for more than a decade. She loved all of her church members dearly and valued the fellowship, support, and encouragement she received within these communities.

In addition to her church life, Shirley was a proud member of the Serenity Hearts Red Hatters, where she enjoyed fellowship and fun under the leadership of their queen, Joyce Green.

Outside of her faith and organizations, Shirley enjoyed many hobbies that brought her joy and connection. She loved listening to music, watching movies, going out dancing and clubbing, eating out, and especially traveling. She took memorable trips to Las Vegas, South Carolina, Virginia Beach, and other destinations, often traveling with her dear friends who made those journeys even more special.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, Shirley’s memory will live on through her family, her friends, her church families, and the many lives she touched.

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