Bishop Shirley Graham Williams

Bishop Shirley Graham Williams, a devoted servant of God and beloved spiritual leader, passed away on April 14, 2026. Born on September 24, 1957, in Mobile, Alabama, Bishop Williams exemplified a life committed to faith, service, and nurturing the spiritual growth of countless individuals throughout her ministry.

The eldest of three children born to Jesse Louis Graham and Virginia Sargeant Graham, Shirley was lovingly raised in Toxey, Alabama. She received her early education in the Choctaw County public schools and graduated from Southern Choctaw High School in Silas, Alabama. Her pursuit of education continued at the University of South Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy. Further advancing her desire to serve others, she attained a diploma in Practical Nursing from Southwest Technical Institute.

In January 1984, amid her community involvement and choir participation, Shirley met Reverend Lester L. Williams, whom she married on June 1, 1984. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Jasmine, Jessica, and Jaia. Through this partnership, Shirley embraced her calling to ministry, one that would deeply impact many lives.

Answering God’s call in October 1989, Bishop Williams embarked upon her formal preparation for preaching the Gospel, receiving her ministerial license in 1991 and ordination as a reverend in 1994. Her leadership and dedication were evident as she advanced within The Community Baptist Church, now known as the Community Church of Christ. Consecrated as an Elder in 1996, appointed Assistant Pastor in 1999, elevated to Adjunct Pastor in 2001, and set apart as Pastor in 2004, she also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida.

Her vast ministry extended beyond her local congregations. As General Overseer of the Women’s Ministry for the Community Churches of Christ International, she was a guiding light to many women in faith. In 2015, she was consecrated as a Bishop during the Holy Convocation, affirming her profound impact and leadership. Not resting there, she pursued further theological studies at The Burroughs Divinity Bible School in 2024, earning credentials as a Community Chaplains Captain, a certified Christian Counselor, and a Bachelor of Theology.

Bishop Williams’ teaching and preaching reached far beyond the United States, including occasions to minister in Israel along the Jordan River and to participate in conferences and crusades in South Africa. Her heart for service propelled her into homeless shelters, the women’s prison at Riker’s Island, and transitional homes, where she taught Bible study and offered guidance. Her compassion found expression in soup kitchens, street evangelism, and the establishment of The Deliverance Now Ministry—a powerful testament to her commitment to “set the captives free.” Known as a nurturer, mentor, Shepherd Mother, and Mother Bishop, she embraced a ministry marked by spiritual warfare, prayer, and intercession on behalf of those longing for change.

Bishop Shirley Williams was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Sargent Graham; her father, Jesse Louis Graham; her sister, Ida Veigh (Lucy) Graham; and her cherished husband of 35 years, Archbishop Lester Lorenzo Williams. She leaves behind her four daughters: Jasmine, Jessica, Jaia, and Shareena; her devoted brother, Albert Louis Graham; a host of grandchildren and godchildren; and cherished friends and ministry family, including her close friend of over forty years, Pastor Debra Williams.

Among her spiritual sons and daughters are Bishop Jamell George (Kenichi) Mitchell and Elder Calvin Patrick Nelson, who, along with the entire constituency of both Uncommon Church Charlotte and the Community Church of Christ, mourn her loss while celebrating her enduring legacy.

A viewing will be held on April 22, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Uncommon Church Charlotte, located at 515 Pitts School Rd NW, Concord, North Carolina. The funeral service will follow the same evening at 7:00 p.m., concluding at 9:00 p.m. Interment will take place on April 25, 2026, at Gooden Hill Baptist Church, 3254 County Rd 4, Thomasville, Alabama, beginning at 12:00 p.m. with the service concluding at 1:00 p.m.

Bishop Shirley Graham Williams’ life was a steadfast beacon of faith, hope, and love. Through her ministry, teaching, and motherly guidance, she has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her clarion call, “To God be the glory,” remains a testament to the spirit by which she lived—a life wholly dedicated to God’s service.

Blue’s Mortuary Inc Will Handle Final Arrangements.