Loved deeply, lived fully, and remembered always.
Shirley Ann Brown Williams was born on April 29, 1950, in Newport, Jackson County, Arkansas, to the union of the late Dan H. Brown, Sr., and Emma Anders Brown. She was the seventh of eight children.
At an early age, Shirley accepted Christ as her Savior and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She was baptized in Pickett Lake in 1958 by her father, Dan H. Brown, Sr., and Rev. Rubin Dinwiddie. She remained firmly grounded in her biblical foundation at Mt. Zion for many years. Later in life, she joined Greater Morning Star Baptist Church, where she continued to grow in her faith and walk with Christ. There, she was a faithful and dedicated member under the leadership of Rev. Nicholas E. Nettles, Sr.
Shirley was a pillar in her community, a devoted wife, exceptional mother, loving grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, as well as a brilliant businesswoman. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, elegance, and a generous spirit that will impact lives for generations to come. Throughout the years, she distinguished herself as an accomplished professional; however, her greatest calling was to serve God. She faithfully served as a Senior Girls and Boys Sunday School teacher, President of the Junior Usher Board, a member of the Missionary Society, a Deaconess, a member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, and as the church secretary and clerk. Her life reflected God’s unconditional love, grace, and mercy, consistently offering wisdom, encouragement, kindness, and a willing spirit to all she encountered.
In June of 1978, Shirley met the love of her life, Eddie C. Williams, at Brown’s Café. Their love story was one filled with laughter and fond memories. Eddie would say she pursued him, while Shirley would lovingly insist that he chased her until she finally gave in. They were married on May 19, 1980 and shared nearly 46 years of unconditional love and unwavering commitment.
Shirley began her professional career with American Lantern in 1972, where she worked faithfully until its closure in 1998. After that time, she pursued higher education at Arkansas State University, excelling academically. She was recognized as an Outstanding Alumna, named to Who’s Who Among College Students, and earned a place on the Chancellor’s List due to having a 3.97 GPA. She graduated with honors, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Her academic achievements opened the door for her to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Newport Economic Development Commission, where she demonstrated dedication and excellence until her retirement in October 2015. While serving in this role, Shirley continued her commitment to professional growth by completing and certifying in a three-year course of instruction in Community Development at the University of Central Arkansas.
In recognition of her years of service, she was honored by Judge Jeffrey Phillips and Mayor David Stewart, who officially proclaimed October 21, 2015, as “Shirley Ann Williams Day” in the City of Newport.
Shirley departed this life on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Bernard Medical Center, surrounded by those she loved most. As she took her Savior by the hand, she was reunited with her parents and five siblings: Emma Ruth, L.D., Bobby C., Willie, and Mae.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband of 46 years, Eddie C. Williams of Newport; one son, Elmer McKissic, Jr. (Teresa) of Frisco, Texas; one daughter, Katrina A. Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas; two brothers, R.J. Brown of St. Louis, Missouri, and Dan H. Brown, Jr. (Lynn) of Jacksonville, Arkansas; one brother-in-law, Alvin Dupens, Jr. of Newport, Arkansas; along with her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of lifelong friends who will cherish her memory always.
Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, April 3, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services are at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 4, at Greater Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
