Shirley Delores Williams

On November 29, 1935, the Lord blessed this earth with the birth of Shirley Delores Williams (née Forbes). She was born to the late Cora M. Forbes (née Burnam) and Samuel H. Forbes Sr., in Elizabeth, NJ. She departed from this earthly realm and gained her angel wings on April 5, 2025. Shirley was raised in Roselle, NJ and attended the Roselle public school system. She graduated from Abraham Clark High School in 1953. In 1962, she became a Civil Service employee and worked for the Dept of the Army, Raritan NJ, and she later transferred to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), East Orange/Parsippany for over 30 years and later retired in the late 1990’s. Shirley was blessed with two children, whom she wholeheartedly loved: the late Lawson (Ricky) Williams Jr. and Kimberly R. Williams (Bowers). She worked hard to ensure that she and her children lived comfortably. She later married John “Fred” Johnson and cared for him until he passed in 1998. Throughout her entire life, Shirley was a devoted member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a member of the Dorcas Missionaries, and the Flower Club ministries. Shirley loved the Lord and was a faithful servant. Shirley was a part of the women's softball league, sponsored by the late GG Woody. She was an avid bowler and loved to swing dance. Shirley was very fashionable and owned a wide variety of hats, suits, and shoes. Shirley’s attire is frequently described by the church members, relatives, and friends as elegant, classy, and sophisticated. Everyone enjoyed and looked forward to seeing her walk into the church every Sunday, just to see her beautiful display of outfits. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Cora Forbes, both brothers, Ronald and Samuel Forbes Jr; her husband, Fred Johnson; and son, Lawson (Rickey)Williams. She is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Kimberly Bowers, her son and law, Artie Bowers of Roselle; two granddaughters, Victorian Bowers of Union and Jamilah Williams of Louisiana; great-grandson, Davion of Texas. She is also survived by her two sisters, Wilma Forbes and Sharon “Teenie” Walker of Rahway, NJ, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As the matriarch of this family, Shirley left a big impact on her family and friends. She will surely be missed by all. (Forever gone and never forgotten).