Rev. Shirley A. Williams, Pastor Emerita

Reverend Shirley A Williams, Pastor Emerita

August 7th, 1938 - February 24, 2026

Shirley Williams learned early to be a survivor, shaping her into a devoted Christian, faithful friend, and role model for young women and men. Her faith sustained her and guided a lifetime of service. She began by teaching sixth grade in the North Kansas City School District. As a young girl, she even played on the Hardin football team when there were not enough boys to field a team, beginning her lifelong love of football.

Born in Ray County, Missouri, Shirley graduated from Hardin High School in 1956, William Jewell College (B.A.) in 1960, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.R.E.) in 1965. She served 10 years on church staffs as Minister of Education and Music and 20 years as Director of Collegiate Ministries, where she helped supervise 47 student centers, staff, and statewide programming. Over a 23-year period, she supervised more than 5,000 student summer missionaries. She led mission teams to Taiwan, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Belarus, including work in missions’ administration and agricultural ministry. More than 50 years ago, Shirley was ordained to ministry at Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri, as one of the first women ordained to ministry there. She also served on William Jewell College’s Presidential Search Committee and received the Walter Pope Binns Fellow Award (1983) and the Alumni Achievement Award (1998).

Shirley later became the first woman to serve as lead minister at First Christian Church in Eldon, Missouri. During her pastorate, the church paid off a major building debt and grew in its community involvement through the Eldon Food Pantry, the Child Advocacy Council, and the development and expansion of the Buddy Pack program in the Eldon School District. Her love for the congregation remained strong throughout her life, and the love shown to Shirley by the congregation carried her through her final days at Rock Island Village.

Shirley considered the George family of Montreal her family at heart. She was deeply grateful to share in Jerry and Jeanette George’s family dinners and holidays. She found great joy in mentoring Elaine and Michelle as they grew up, graduated from college, and began their married lives with Mark Mallahan and David Nichols. Mentoring Nobel Mallahan, the great- nephew, was another special joy in Shirley’s life. Charlotte and Shirley found many adventures in life through treasured friendships and travels around the world. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ruth Williams, one sister Rose, all of Carrollton, Missouri

Shirley will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM with Dr. David Wallace and Dr. Andrew Pratt officiating.  Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery with Reverend Bill Foglesong officiating.

Memorials in her name are suggested to the Foundation for the First Christian Church of Eldon, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Shirley A. Williams, Pastor Emerita, please visit our floral store.