Shirley Williams Bickford, age 91, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on April 19, 2026, at a local healthcare facility.

Mrs. Shirley was born on May 27, 1934, in Washington, D.C., the proud daughter of Willie Theodore Williams and Iris Raiford Williams. She dedicated 29 years of her life to education, teaching in Maryland, California, Alabama, and Georgia, with the final 20 years of her career spent at Central High School in Carrollton. Throughout her years of service, she made a lasting impact on countless students. Among her many accomplishments, she was instrumental in organizing the Advanced Placement program for the Carroll County School System and was honored as an inductee into the Central High School Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedication and service. Shirley was also a diligent Bible scholar, finding great joy and purpose in her faith and study of Scripture.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Glenn Bickford; her sister, Doris Fogg and her husband, Andy Fogg; and her nephew, Steven Fogg and his wife, Sandy Fogg.

She is survived by her children, Janean Kindell (Paul), Theodore "Ted" Bickford, Michael "Mike" Bickford, Iris Brown (David); her grandchildren, John Murdock (Megan), James Bickford (Robin), Lauren Giddens (Cory), Shannon Murdock, Stephen Sutton-Brown (Shelby), William Brown, Krystal Bickford, and Justin Bickford; nephew, Richard Fogg (Sherry); niece, Judy Lamberson (Jim); 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of Hightower Funeral Home with Reverend John Riley officiating. Sharon Hearnburg will deliver a special poem in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse in honor of Mrs. Shirley's life and legacy. https://samaritanspurse.org

Mrs. Shirley's life was marked by her dedication to education, her deep faith, and her love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, service, and unwavering devotion that will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.