Shirley Ann Crawford Roberts, beloved daughter of the late B. C. Crawford and Alma Louise Crawford, was born in Lumpkin, Stewart County, Georgia on August 31, 1938.

She was educated in the Stewart County School System, graduating from Randolph County High School. Shirley was a very inquisitive, highly motivated young lady who held fast to her belief in the power of learning. She continued her quest for knowledge at Albany State College (University), majoring in Business Education. After completing two years of study, she returned to Lumpkin and accepted employment with the public school system.

At a very early age, Shirley accepted Christ as her Savior; was baptized; and began her journey of Christian stewardship at Mill Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend J. H. Bankston. There, she devoted herself faithfully to God’s purpose and His calling on her life. After moving to Albany, Georgia in 1962, she united with the Union Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of the late Reverend William H. Boyd. Shirley was blessed with a loving spirit, and she served the Lord with her whole heart. Over the years, she fully committed herself to various ministries and events, including the Nurses Aide, Pastor’s Aide, Senior Citizens Excursions/Events, and the Senior Legacy Tea. Her relationship with Jesus was a living one and she continued to grow in her Chistian walk as she was fed the word of God through Reverend J. A. Severson.

A pillar of fortitude and strength, Shirley was the heart of her household and community. In addition to her role as a wife, mother, and homemaker, she was also a member of the Ransom Industrial Chapter—Morningside Chapter No. 2 Order of Eastern Stars; and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Area 5 Relay for Life. Shirley had a big heart and her boundless compassion and tenacity kindled hope in the hearts of many. Her life stands as a luminous testament to a spirit dedicated to uplifting others.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Shirley transitioned from her 87-year earthly journey to eternal rest and peace with the Lord. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, George Fortson; her sister-in-law, Mary Crawford; and one nephew, Anthony Crawford.

Cherished memories will forever remain with her husband, Jimmy Roberts; her children, Pernerdia Rivers (Carlton) of Woodbridge, VA and Michael O. Johnson of Albany, GA; bonus daughter, Angela Roberts of Albany, GA; siblings, Barbara Fortson of Albany, GA and Andrew Crawford of Vaux Hall, NJ; grandchildren, Jasmen Macdonald (Troy), Jemuir Rivers, Autanzia Johnson, Tonjia McCrory; a bonus grandson, Wontonia Hall (Chaka); 20 great grandchildren; nephews, Kesal Fortson (Nedra); Kerwin Fortson (Mischelle), André Crawford, and Adarryll Crawford; and a host of cousins and friends.