Shirley Ann Williams

Shirley Ann Williams, 88, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away December 3, 2023 at Shemwell HealthCare in Providence, Ky.
Shirley was born to Joe and Lena Rayburn of Benton, Kentucky, on August 12, 1935. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters: Joe Dwight Rayburn (1941), David Rayburn (2014), Jerry Rayburn (2018), Homer Rayburn (2020), Jane Gossett (1988), Betty Sheffler (2009) and Brooks Rose (2022).
Shirley was also preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Dr. Billy N. Williams on June 21, 2012. They were married for 59 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Gina Munger (Tony) of Cape Coral, FL and by one sister Judy Copeland, of Sarasota, FL, and one brother Tony Rayburn (Kathy) of Murray, Kentucky. Also surviving is one grandson, Anthony Munger (Tracie) and three great-grandchildren, Aaron Munger, Anna Munger, and Tanner Edwards all of Madisonville. Shirley will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews.
Early in their marriage, Billy and Shirley agreed that she would care for their home and daughter while he continued his education and career. Shirley filled her days with Gina, church groups, and community activities. At her death, she was a member of the Madisonville First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
In 1973, when Gina graduated from high school and Bill received his doctorate from Vanderbilt University, Shirley began to explore her own career opportunities. Her first job was at The Tack Room, a ladies clothing store in Madisonville. It was there that she discovered her love and talent for sales and serving her customers. Later, she was approached by a local real estate firm, Century 21 Cole-Durham. Shirley received her Kentucky real estate license in 1977 and began a long and successful career as a Realtor. She received the Graduate Realtors Institute designation in 1979; in 1980, she obtained her Kentucky brokers license; and in 1983, she earned the designation of Certified Residential Specialist.
Shirley was the Hopkins County Realtor of the Year twice, in 1986 and 1997. She served as President of the Hopkins County Board of Realtors in 1986 and 1998. She was Regional Vice President for Region #1 of the Kentucky Association of Realtors and RPAC Trustee from 1989 to 1995.
She gave back to her community by serving on the Hopkins County Planning Commission from 1985 to 1996. She also served on the Board of the Pennyrile Area Development Housing Corporation during that same time period.

Funeral services will be December 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church, with Reverend Kara Foster officiating and assisted Reverend Rodney Vincent. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until funeral hour at 11:00 AM.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Munger, Aaron Munger, Anna Munger, Tanner Edwards, Chuck Shockley, and Matt Sanderson.
The family would like to thank the staff at Shemwell HealthCare for their care and love the past 8 years,
Memorial donations may be made to the Madisonville First Christian Church, 1030 College Drive Madisonville, KY 42431, the Hopkins County Christian Food Bank, the Hopkins County Humane Society, or to your favorite charity. Envelopes for the designated charities will be available at the funeral home.