Shirley Cadle Williams, 91, passed into eternal rest on March 24, 2024, in Winchester, Virginia.
Shirley Cadle Williams
Born on January 19, 1933, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shirley’s life was marked by her enduring elegance, strength of character, and creative soul, which inspired many.
Her love for the arts illuminated Shirley’s journey through life. A graduate of Landon High School in Jacksonville, Florida, she furthered her passion by pursuing higher education at the University of Florida, where she obtained her undergraduate degree, and later the University of Oklahoma, where she completed her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre. Shirley graced the stages of New York as an actress and model before dedicating her life to educational theatre. As a dedicated professor, she imparted wisdom in speech and theatre at Texas Technological College and Mary Washington College, where she wrote and directed plays and designed elaborate costumes and sets. She received her Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Denver and, after raising her family, went on to teach theatre and public speaking at Shenandoah College and Conservatory and Lord Fairfax Community College.
Shirley married her beloved Jim on March 27, 1965, and moved to Front Royal, Virginia, where they began their journey together and went on to have four children. Their union was marked by an unwavering love that blossomed and endured for 44 remarkable years until Jim’s passing in 2009. Their marriage was a testament to the power of devotion, commitment, and companionship. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood by each other’s side, sharing laughter, tears, and countless cherished memories. Their bond was a beacon of strength and inspiration to all who knew them, exemplifying the true essence of lifelong love.
Shirley was a dedicated and passionate individual whose life was marked by a multitude of achievements and contributions. She wholeheartedly embraced her roles as a parent and community member, leaving an indelible mark on those around her. From her involvement in church activities, including teaching Sunday School and organizing epic Halloween parties, to her leadership in Cub Scouts and various PTAs and educational initiatives, Shirley exemplified a commitment to nurturing spiritual and academic growth.
Her love for the arts and theater led her to co-found the Front Royal Little Theatre, where her contributions were instrumental to numerous productions. Shirley’s adventurous spirit also shone through in her travels around the world. Her favorite trip was her family’s cross-country journey to explore the National Parks, fostering lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the world’s natural wonders.
Shirley’s dedication to education extended beyond her family and into community service, where she served as chairman of the Warren County School Board for eight of ten years. Her passion for learning was further evidenced by her service on the Lord Fairfax College Foundation Board, her work with Literacy Volunteers, and her hosting of foreign exchange students over the years.
Beyond her educational endeavors, Shirley’s commitment to community betterment was evident in her involvement with numerous organizations, including the Valley Garden Club, Beautification of Front Royal Committee, Mental Health America, Community Housing Assistance Program, and Blue Ridge Arts Council. She served on the Board of Directors of Warren Memorial Hospital and headed fundraising efforts to purchase the first safe house for local victims of domestic violence.
Shirley’s personal interests were as diverse and vibrant as her personality; she found joy in the beach, gardening, creative writing, and engaging in arts such as flower arranging, painting, and sewing. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore belly dancing, yoga, hot air balloon rides, and even scuba diving in her sixties and seventies.
Her faith was an integral part of her life. For the majority of her years, she worshipped at Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal, serving in various leadership capacities and ministries. She later joined Christ Episcopal Church when she moved to Winchester. Shirley’s life was a testament to her faith, her art, and her love for her family and community.
Left to honor Shirley’s memory are her children, Michael Williams and wife Tina, Elizabeth Williams Horton and husband Greg, Chris Williams, and Stephen Williams and wife Allison; grandchildren, Kayla Marazzo and husband Frank, Eric Williams, Kelsey Prunest and husband Coty, Hayley Horton, Carson Williams, and Camden Williams; great-grandchildren, Hannah Brown and Leila Horton; her sister, Eleanor Peters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She reunites in death with her beloved husband, James E. Williams; her parents, Fred and Elizabeth Cadle; her sister, Betty Jean McGurn; and her grandson, Joseph Brown Williams.
The family invites you to join in commemorating Shirley’s life at a service to be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm. at Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal, with a reception to follow. A private interment of ashes will precede the service. An additional memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Chapel at Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury in Winchester.
Shirley Cadle Williams will be remembered as a beacon of light and servitude, leaving behind a legacy of cultural enrichment and an example of living life to its fullest. May her soul find peace and joy everlasting.
