Shirley Marie Williamson

Shirley Marie Williamson, 85, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025.
Shirley was born on December 28, 1939, in Judsonia, Arkansas, to Mary and Charlie Ross. After the passing of her father when she was just three years old, Shirley, her mother, and siblings moved in with her grandparents, where she spent her childhood helping on the family farm. Together they worked the fields, growing cotton, peanuts, and strawberries-values of hard work and resilience that stayed with her throughout her life.
In 1954 the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Shirley graduated from Saydel High School in 1957, the same year she married Harold Phillips. Together they built a life and raised five children during their 40 years of marriage. In 2001, Shirley found love again and married Donald Williamson.
Shirley was devoted to her family and took great pride in caring for them. Once her children began school, she worked in the cafeterias of the elementary, middle, and high schools. After her children graduated, she continued serving her community at Iowa Methodist Hospital, where she worked as a cashier in the cafeteria until her retirement.
A woman of strong faith, Shirley was a cherished member of Cornerstone Church in Altoona, Iowa. She often spoke of her church community as her extended family and found comfort and joy in her fellowship there.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Charlie Ross; her brothers, James, Mervin, and Laverle Ross; and two stepbrothers, Alan and Dale Phillips.
She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Terry (Mary), Bobby, Jayne (Billie), Donnie, and Danny (Galene); as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy.
A visitation will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Altoona, Iowa at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Iles Grandview Chapel
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