Shirley Williams, lovingly known as “Granny Shirley”, 88, of Barlow, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Life Care Center of La Center. Granny Shirley was born on February 3, 1937, to Henry and Esther Pool.
There are not enough bourbon barrels in Kentucky, a bathtub big enough to hold the tears, or dynamite strong enough to compare to Granny Shirley. She was so loved and had a spirit and sass like none other. God really did break the mold when he made her. At 5 feet tall and less through the years, she was something unmatched, and she would tell you about it too!
Granny Shirley worked hard throughout her life at multiple occupations because she enjoyed so many different things in life. She’s built bridges, carpentry, made shoes, lamps, guns, and even stole a porta-potty or two off the Cairo bridge. She loved music and dancing, traveling the world, and always had the best time doing it all. Granny Shirley was smart as a tack and strong as a mule, and she didn’t mind telling you how she felt, even if it ruffled feathers.
Granny Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Lucretia (David) Reno, of Wickliffe, Tonya Seaborne, of Wickliffe, and Lacy Jean, of Paducah; one son, Erik Williams, of Wickliffe; three sisters, Sue Forgey, of Hazel, Kentucky, Fanetta (Tim) Puckett, of Cunningham, Kentucky, and Aloah (Ralph) Viets, of Springfield, Illinois; three grandchildren, Kelly (Brandon) Lassiter, of Benton, Kentucky, Leslie (Jared) Crawford, of Wickliffe, and Alicyn (Logan) Seaborn, of Paducah; four great-grandchildren, Kalyn Lassiter, Brady Lassiter, Tessa Crawford, and Larrah Kate Crawford; one great-great grandchild, Aria Williams; and she is loved by several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Bobby and Henry Edward “Bubba” Pool, and her parents.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home in Wickliffe, with Dee Hazelwood officiating. Burial will follow at Wickliffe City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the service time of 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
