Shirley Battle was born on May 8, 1945, in Thomasville, Georgia, to Arthur Battle Sr. and Gladys Battle.

She was educated in the Ochlocknee school system.

She accepted Christ at an early age in Ochlocknee, Georgia, at Midway Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Woodruff. Growing up, she enjoyed singing in the family gospel group.

She united in holy matrimony to Ralph Williams on November 3, 1962. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She had five children, three sons, two daughters, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Shirley loved the Lord and the church. She joined Union Hill M.B. Church in Ochlocknee and continued her Christian journey, serving and singing in the choir.

Shirley was fun-loving, strict, and “feisty”. She never met a stranger. She loved family, family gatherings, talking, singing, dancing, gardening, including preserving, cooking, fishing, and shelling peas.

Shirley worked on the farm, at Sunnyland Meat Packing Company, and Metcalf Lumber Company Inc.

Shirley said farewell to her family and friends on January 30, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Williams; parents, Arthur Battle Sr. and Gladys Battle; brothers, Arthur Battle, Freddie Battle, and Joseph Battle; sister, Beverly Williams; son, Ralph Williams Jr., and one grandson.

She leaves to cherish her memory four siblings; sisters: Ermalee Griffin, Anne Ellis, and Josephine Peoples, and brother: Willie Battle (Millie); five children; sons: Ramond Battle (Deborah), Matthew Williams; daughters: Carrie Williams and Janice Potter; eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends including her Union Hill M.B. Church family.