Shirley Mae Williams, age 87, died June 10, 2025, at her home in Ulysses, Kansas surrounded by her family. She was born on May 21, 1938, in Montrose, Colorado, the daughter of Floyd Elias and Cleo Louise (Tope) Pointer. Shirley was raised by her mother, Cleo and stepfather, Ralph Earnest.
Shirley grew up in Kendall, Kansas, where she attended school. She married James “Jim” Williams on July 2, 1955, in Clayton, New Mexico. To their union, they added 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. They lived the majority of their married life in Ulysses, Kansas, raising their 3 children on a farm west of Ulysses.
Shirley is survived by her son, K.C. Williams and wife, Kathy of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughters, Kathy Allen and husband, Tom of Garden City, Kansas, and Christine Norton and husband, Neil of Hugoton, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Skylar Allen, Andrew Allen and wife, Kathleen, Aaron Allen, Jayme Norton, Destiny Hanks and husband, Chris, Kayla Chenault and husband, Peyton, Kody Williams and Carla Dravis; and 18 great-grandchildren; extended family and many friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jim; daughter, Karah Shawn Williams; granddaughter Karah Dawn Core; brother, Dean Pointer and wife Neva; brother, Floyd Pointer and wife, Glenda; and stepfather, Ralph Earnest.
Shirley’s life was spent sharing the love of God with all those she came in contact with. She prayed continually for her family and for everyone she knew or had just met. If there was a need, Shirley prayed. She prayed for her community, country and its leaders. Shirley learned how to navigate her phone, posting scripture at the wee hours of the morning for others. When pressed, she would admit to being regularly awakened by her Lord to intercede at all hours of the days and nights.
Shirley was a local giant of the faith. She taught Bible studies over the years, most recently at the Grant County Senior Center on Thursdays. Shirley was a Chaplain for over 30 years at the Western Prairie Care Home. She loved elderly people and led many souls to Jesus. She brought joy and encouragement and tireless enthusiasm everywhere she went. A faithful member of the Rose Lane Church of God, she was likely the most ecumenical Pentecostal you ever met. She said she loved all the pastors of Ulysses and only had good to say of them and their churches. She appreciated every denomination and was happy to work with them all at the care home and in the community.
One of Shirley’s favorite accomplishments was to help establish what she fondly called “the widow’s group.” After losing her husband, she saw the need for such a ministry and (typical of her) got it going. Starting with a few friends, they soon invited many others to join them for regular encouragement and prayer.
Shirley loved her family and pets. She shared in the joys and challenges of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Shirley liked watching each of them grow and become who God intends for them to be. If at any time, she felt you needed her “words of advice” she didn’t hesitate to share her thoughts or ideas and of course, she always prayed for you. She loved her brothers, Floyd and Dean and would always laugh when she told stories of them as they grew up. Shirley loved her pets and the company and comfort they provided her.
Shirley has, at last, received her dearest wish; to be welcomed into the loving arms of Her Savior and Lord, and reunited forever with her dear husband, family and friends.
A memorial service will be Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:30 am at Oasis Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Dupuis officiating. A private inurnment will take place at the Lakin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Rose Lane Church of God or Gideons International in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
