Shirley Fore Williams

Shirley Fore Williams, 90, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, February 9, 2025. She was born on July 22, 1934, in Jesup, Georgia to the late Troy Sr. and Nancy Delk Fore. A graduate of Wayne County High School in Jesup, Shirley went on to have a fulfilling career, retiring as a loan officer with the former Park Avenue Bank. She was a longtime member of Park Avenue Church, where she found great joy in her community. Shirley was known for her strong commitment to family, friends, and faith.

Shirley was an avid gardener with a particular love for daylilies, cultivating an extensive garden that she proudly showcased at the 2010 National Daylily Convention. She served as the secretary for the Valdosta Daylily Society and was a devoted member of the SW Georgia Republican Women's Club. Her passions extended beyond gardening, as she was a loyal supporter of both the Valdosta Wildcats and the Lowndes Vikings for many years. In addition to her love for gardening and community involvement, Shirley was an adventurer at heart. She traveled extensively, enjoying memorable experiences such as zip-lining for a mile and a half in Costa Rica, taking a helicopter ride that landed on a glacier in Alaska, and exploring Europe. Her zest for life and her unyielding spirit made her a beloved figure in her family and community.

She is survived by her husband, Forrest Williams of Valdosta; her children, Gwyneth (Scott) Mabry of Chattanooga, Tennessee, William (Cathy) Davis III of Valdosta, and Shannon (TJ) Lasswell of Marietta; step-son Chip (Lorraine) Engle of Mayock, North Carolina and step-daughter-in-law, Joanna Engle of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren and spouses, Jason Padgett, James Thursby, Jessica (James) Devane, Will Davis, Julie Davis, and Kellsie (Kristian) Ruane; 5 great-grandchildren; a sister, Christine Bennett and a sister-in-law, Mary Fore. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William (Bill) E. Davis, Jr.; her step-son, Jack Engle, her brother, Troy Fore, Jr. and brother-in-law Bob Bennett. 

Funeral services for Shirley Fore Williams will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Park Avenue Church with Rev. Jamie Bone and Dr. Craig Rikard officiating. The burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mclanecares.com.

Shirley’s legacy of love, adventure, and commitment to family will forever be cherished by all who knew her.