Shirley Louise Beckwith

In loving memory of Mother Shirley Louise Beckwith, known to some as “Ponnie Gal” and to most

as “Auntie Shirley and Granny”

Shirley Withers-Beckwith was born, to the union of Booker T. Withers and Augusta Lewis on July 9,
1935, in East St. Louis Illinois, where she also received her formal education. Shirley accepted
Christ and was baptized at an early age. She moved to Seattle, WA in the late 1950’s where she
met and married Lillard Beckwith the love of her life, and pursued her dreams and aspirations.
Shirley enjoyed traveling the world with her husband who served in the United States Army. During
the late 1960’s they were stationed in Munich, Germany for three years.
Upon returning to the United States, Mother Shirley pursed a career in nursing. She worked at
Austin’s Nursing Home for many years. Later, Shirley became employed at Todd Shipyard where
she retired. Shirley was recognized for her dedication, positive attitude and strong work ethic.
She loved her children and family very much, and her door was always open to others in the
neighborhood. Mother Shirley was known for her loving, caring and nurturing spirit to the children
in the family and community. She dedicated her time to ensure homemade meals were prepared
daily and especially on the holidays. Many fond memories of Mother Shirley were made in the
kitchen, where she would include the children, teaching us how to cook from scratch and season
the food to perfection. She could make a mean icebox pie, banana pudding that everyone loved,
tomato cobbler and most favored was her sweet potato pie. Mother Shirley was intentional about
teaching her children how to save money, to cook, pay bills, clean house, wash and iron clothes,
grocery shop and how to dress from head to toe.
Mother Shirley was a woman of faith and elegance. Mother stood tall in statue and humble in spirit.
She embodied an exceptional sense of humor, loved to laugh and persevered without complaint
during challenging times. Mother’s encouragement, words of wisdom and correction when needed
will live on in our hearts forever! Shirley rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized under the
leadership of Superintendent, Samuel L. Townsend, Sr., DD, Greater Glory Ministries, COGIC,
Seattle WA. Our Beloved Mother Shirley fought a good fight. She passed away peacefully,
surrounded by her family at her home in Kent, WA.
She is preceded in death by two of her daughters: Tracy Beckwith and most recent Beverly
Hyneman; Lillard Beckwith; father Booker T. Withers; mother Augusta Lewis Fields; stepmother
Cordie Mae Withers; bothers: Carl Withers Sr., and Reginald Withers; sisters: Willestine Whitfield;
Lillie Bell Lewis and Vergerine Barnes; nephew Billy Jones; aunts: Calista Lewis, Amanda Jones,
and Lillian Jones Fowler.
Mother Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: daughters: Cynthia Beckwith-Hayes (Donnie); Maria
Williams (Alex), Nakia Sherelle Gregory, Ursula Adams ( Ackerman) and Tracy Gregory; 13
Grandchildren,18 Great Grandchildren, Sisters: Estine Ervin (Billy deceased) and Gloria Dillon
(Cleveland), brother Lindell Withers, a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, and life-long
friends.

Rest in Heavenly Peace Mother Shirley Louise Beckwith.

Officiant: Superintendent Sam Townsend, Sr. DD

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