OBITUARY

A Time to be incepted….Shirley Ann Williams was born to Elnora and Leroy William on February 20, 1951, in Green Cove Springs, FL. She is preceded in death by her special niece, Ja’Nea Alicia Demps, her father Leroy Williams, mother, Elnora Williams; Brothers – J.L. Williams, Danny Williams, Tommy Williams, Tommy Lee Williams, Bernard Williams; Sisters- Annette Williams, and Lisa Williams

A Time to Aspire and Excel… Shirley was reared in Green Cove Springs, Florida and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1969.  This sassy twin went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education, from the esteemed HBCU, Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach Florida.  Our mother began her teaching career in Clay County Schools at the Orange Park 9th Grade Center and went on to open Middleburg High School with her fabulous friends, earning a spot in black history with Doris Swinton, Julie Badger, and Linda Jackson.  Shirley ended her teaching career being a mentor, community educator, and substitute teacher in Duval County Schools. While Shirley remained vibrant in the community, she began and retired from a career as a Behavioral Health Specialist while employed with Northwest Behavioral Health Services in Jacksonville, FL.  Hair Styling was her love and hobby.

Sister Shirley Williams Downey became a member of the Order of Eastern Star, in the year of 2016 under the direct leadership of her daughter, Past Worthy Matron Antoinette Cummings.  Her last loving jurisdiction was United Supreme Council Masons and Eastern Stars where her and her daughter were received with brotherly and sisterly love.

A Time for Worship… Professing her faith and accepting Christ at a young age, Shirley ensured her children and grandchildren kept a firm foundation while serving our Lord and Savior. Shirley’s last church membership was held at Shiloh Church Orange Park.

A Time to Love… Shirley Williams Downey continued her companionship with Mr. Wayne Downey who maintained his position as confidante, friend, and caretaker until her transition on May 13, 2017.  Though no longer married, they continued to love and care for each other.

A Time to Languish… On Saturday, May 13, 2017, God dispatched one of the strongest angels he had to whisk and carry Shirley away from her burdens and pain and to abide with him in heaven.

Cherishing her memories are her loving daughter and son-in-law, Antoinette (Dr. Rowland) Cummings, a doting son, Henry (Sandy) Brocks, A devoted companion, Wayne Downey, six grandchildren, Shelton Floyd Patterson, Jr. (Asia), Anthony Marcel Deloach, Cameron Scott Brocks, and Shelton Anthony (Kay) Patterson, Layla and Camille Downey.  two Great Children, Skylar Malarie, and Shanayala Patterson, and two stepchildren, Wayne Jr. and Candece Downey, two brothers, Harold (Jackie) Drummer, and Johnny Williams, eleven sisters, her twin Barbara (Keith) Salton, Thelma Blount, Gaynell Bright, Betty Williams, Laresa (Robert) Scott, Juanita Williams, Lavette Jacobs, Diane Williams, Loretta White, Linda Williams, Shawanna Williams. Close friends, Julie (Solomon) Badger and Brenda McClendon. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers, aunts, and uncles.

Shirley Williams Downey passed away on May 13, 2017.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until the hour service. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  All events will be held at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233.

 Service Information