Shirley Jean Williams (McWilliams) was born on August 30, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Harrison and Susie McWilliams. She departed this life on February 12, 2026. The youngest of five daughters, she grew up on the West Side of Kansas City and graduated from R.T. Coles Vocational School.

Shirley began her career as a cosmetologist after completing her training at Blankenship Cosmetology School. Her parents gifted her the business, and she excelled in the art of hair styling. She was known for her impeccable style—always “dressed to the nines,” never stepping outside without every detail in place. In her younger years, she enjoyed going to clubs with her best friend, the late Ms. Betty Dial, where the two were admired as sharp dressers and lively companions.

Over the years, she held a variety of positions throughout Kansas City. She worked as an elevator operator in the Professional Building in downtown Kansas City; for Consolidated Foods in the Jackson County Courthouse; in customer service at the Sears catalog department at 17th and Cleveland; as a banquet server at many of the city’s top hotels; and as a daycare worker in several local childcare centers. She later became a paraprofessional for the Kansas City School District, where she eventually retired.

During her cosmetology years, Shirley also supported her sister, Elinora Reynolds, in political efforts with Freedom Incorporated, going door-to-door to encourage community engagement throughout the 1960s and 70s.

After retiring, Shirley devoted herself wholeheartedly to seven of her grandchildren, ensuring they had the necessities, pouring her love, time, and energy into their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her Uncle Albert Williams; her four sisters, Alma Smith, Ruth McWilliams, Elinora Reynolds, and Savannah Parks; and her daughter, Robin Lee Williams.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Rosalind A. Taylor (Carl); her grandchildren, Johnny L. Williams, Earl LMH McWilliams (Angela), Porcia Hall, Victor M. Williams (Monique), Chiffon Hall, Tenisha M. Taylor, Precious Lewis, Tymisha Williams, Christopher Williams, and Sarah Salley; more than ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind nieces who faithfully kept in touch with her—Betty Ann Funderburke, Elinora Brown, and Remel Rodchester; great-niece Karen Brown; her nephews, Richard Smith and Milton Smith; and her aunt-in-law, Joan Williams.

“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore