Shirley Weaver Alford

On April 25, 1944 in Talbot County, God saw fit to put an angel on Earth.  Her name was Shirley Weaver, daughter of the late Jannie Mae Mahone and Willie Gray, Sr.  Shirley accepted Christ as her Lord and savior at an early age when she joined Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Woodland Ga.  She continued to be a faithful servant of God throughout adulthood until her departure as a member of New Destiny church in Columbus Ga.  She was a 1962 graduate of Ruth Carter High School in Talbot County and a longtime member of the LaCharmettes social club. She was blessed with a loving and supportive daughter, Lazenza McGill and a precious granddaughter, Jordan Hughes. On February 26, 1994, Shirley was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Doc Alford.

For 74 years, Shirley did her job here on earth.  Although Shirley had many paying jobs, such as Playtex, Hughes Aircraft, and TSYS before retiring in 2004, her most rewarding job was serving others. Matthew 23:11 says, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant”.  Some may say that a servant is a demeaning job, but that is far from true. To humble thyself and serve others is pleasing to God.  Shirley served her family and friends by doing whatever was needed-especially for her two most loved ones, Zen and Jordan.  Shirley served others with what seemed to be small tasks, yet her selflessness was immeasurable.  Whether sitting at the bedside of the sick, driving people to appointments, attending sporting events, cooking special dishes, or whatever was asked of her, she was fully committed.  Shirley’s serving led to her gaining new family members, who affectionately referred to her as “Auntie Shirley”, while her late husband, Doc, referred to her as “Mother Teresa”.

In Talbot, Muscogee, and Meriwether Counties, Shirley was known and recognized by her beautiful, elegant, silky gray hair.  Some may not have known her name, but easily recognized her by her fresh fragrance, warm smile, humility, and her love and kindness towards others.  These characteristics were her trademarks. Shirley may have seemed to be a busy person, but when you are doing what is pleasing to you and God, the work is well worth it.  Listen and you can hear Shirley delightfully say, “I can do it”.

Late Thursday night, January 31, 2019, God retired Shirley from her job here on earth and called her home to gain eternal rest.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”.  (Philippians 1:21)

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