Shirley Ann

Foster

Shirley Ann Foster, born Shirley Ann Benson, age 88, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, just two days shy of her 89th birthday. Born in Henry County, Alabama, on November 7, 1937, Shirley spent most of her life in the Roebuck community of Birmingham, where she built a lifetime of love, laughter, friendships, and cherished memories.

Shirley was a woman whose love knew no limits, whose generosity knew no boundaries, and whose personality was truly one of a kind. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who spent her life putting the needs of others before her own. To know Shirley was to know unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and a woman who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need.

But Shirley was also a woman who didn’t mince words. She was strong-willed, outspoken, and wonderfully straightforward. She called things exactly as she saw them, and you never had to wonder where you stood with her. Her quick wit, no-nonsense attitude, and sometimes unexpected remarks could bring laughter to an entire room. There was truly never a dull moment when Shirley was around.

Shirley shared more than 69 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, John O’Neil Foster, affectionately known as “Johnny” or “Pop.” Together, they built a lifetime of memories, love, and family. And while Johnny was always one to joke around and keep everyone entertained, Shirley was never shy about letting him know when he’d taken things a little too far. Their relationship was filled with the kind of love, laughter, and companionship that only a lifetime together could create. She was his partner, his steady hand, and the woman who helped hold everything together. After nearly seven decades side by side, it was hard to imagine one without the other.

As a young woman, Shirley had a special love for horses and horseback riding. As the years passed, however, her greatest joy became her family. She was the kind of mother and grandmother who simply never missed a moment. Whether it was a football game for her grandson Chris, a dance recital for her granddaughter Tiffany, a birthday, a holiday, or any other family celebration, Shirley was always there. Her family never had to question whether she would show up, because she always did.

Known affectionately as “Nan,” Shirley’s love extended far beyond her own children and grandchildren. Chris and Tiffany’s friends grew up calling her Nan, too, because she had a way of making everyone feel like family. Her door was always open, and anyone who walked through it was welcomed with open arms.

And if there was one thing you could count on at Nan’s house, it was that you would never leave hungry. There was never a shortage of Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or Snickers ice cream bars, and chances were she already had something cooking in the kitchen for everyone to enjoy. Whether you stopped by for a quick visit or stayed for hours, there was always something to eat, a story to hear, and plenty of laughter to go around. Nan didn’t just open her home to people; she opened her heart, and she made everyone who walked through her door feel like they belonged.

Shirley was no stranger to hard work, and anyone who knew her could tell you she wasn’t one to sit still for very long. In her younger years, she devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker, caring for her husband, raising her daughter, and making sure her family always had a loving home to return to.

Later in life, Shirley took that same dedication and caring spirit into the workplace. She spent nearly ten years working at Marsh Bakery, where she became a familiar and friendly face to the customers and coworkers who came to know her. She later went on to work at Eckerd Pharmacy, remaining there through its transition to Rite Aid. Even into her late 60s and 70s, Shirley continued working, showing the same determination, independence, and tireless work ethic that defined her throughout her life.

Shirley was also a woman of remarkable organization and routine. Her family often joked that even her lists had lists. She had a magazine collection unlike anything most people had ever seen, and she never missed her weekly hair appointment with her granddaughter. Those appointments were more than just a routine; they were another special way she stayed close to the people she loved.

Above all, Shirley was a woman of deep faith. She loved the Lord and faithfully read her Bible every day. During the 1990s, Shirley and Johnny were both actively involved at Roebuck Park Baptist Church, where Shirley served as an administrator and Johnny taught Sunday school to the youth. Together, they dedicated their time and talents to serving their church community. Shirley’s faith wasn’t something she simply spoke about; it was reflected in the kindness, generosity, and selflessness she showed to everyone around her.

Shirley was immensely proud of her family. She never missed an opportunity to brag about the people she loved, and she always had a story ready for anyone willing to listen. She could light up a room with her presence, make a stranger feel welcome, and leave everyone laughing with one of her perfectly timed, straight-from-the-heart remarks.

Shirley’s life was not measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. She was the foundation of her family, the person everyone could count on, and a source of strength, laughter, and comfort through every season of life.

While her family will deeply miss her voice, her laughter, her stories, and even those famously honest opinions, the love she poured into their lives will never fade. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the memories they will forever hold close, and the countless people who were blessed to call her Shirley, Mom, Nan, or Aunt Shirley.

She spent her life taking care of everyone else. Now, her family will spend theirs remembering how fortunate they were to have been loved by her.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of more than 69 years, John O’Neil Foster; her daughter, Darrah Ann Horsley of Mountain Brook, Alabama; her two grandchildren, Tiffany Nicole Schubert of Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Christopher Daniel Horsley of Houston, Texas; her two great-grandchildren, Jade Schubert and Bentlee Beaird; and her sister, Belinda Butler. She also leaves behind extended family, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were made brighter by her love, kindness, and unforgettable personality.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving parents, Earnest R. Prickett and Evelyn Raney.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside funeral service and burial at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens with Bro. Larry Smith officiating.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.