Shirley Ann Stephens Watt

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Oct 26 2017 4:56 PM

Shirley Ann Stephens Watt of Newton, AL entered the glorious gates of Heaven into the waiting arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 24, 2017.

Born in Andalusia, AL to Emmett Lee and Clara Evelyn Stephens, she lived with her beloved Granny, Mildred Bethuel Stephens in Red Level and loved to recount stories of her childhood there. She was a cheerleader and crowned Miss Red Level High School – a deserving honor for such a beautiful person, both inside and out.

A devoted mother, Shirley would work tirelessly to provide for her children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a desire to always strive to be their best. She completed her business degree at Troy University in Dothan while raising her children and working multiple jobs. This allowed her the chance to open and own her own business – one of the many things she would do to keep herself busy and also provide opportunities for others.

Shirley was fortunate to marry her soulmate, Tommy, on March 19, 1994. He would prove himself to be not only the love of her life, but a tireless protector and provider. He loved her immensely and would go to great lengths to make her happy. The past year was challenging as she experienced a full recovery from leukemia, but Tommy was her constant. He did everything from cleaning and laundry to building a sunporch on their house just so she could “be outside” when she wasn’t allowed to be. She spent countless hours there praying, reading, resting, and enjoying the beauty God had created around her.

Shirley adored her family! Her children were the lights of her life, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest treasures! She loved nothing more than for her house to be full of people and laughter and the chaos of family. The sweet hugs, late night chats, and time spent with the ones she loved most filled her spirit with joy. She was a tremendous cook and would prepare huge meals for family gatherings – the world has lost the best fried chicken and cornbread maker there ever was. It would make her laugh so loud to know that we said that!

She loved the outdoors and exercising and was always ready for a run, a bike ride, playing with her grands or her puppies, or even just sitting and enjoying a beautiful day. She had boundless energy, an infectious smile and laugh, and the most generous heart one could possess.

Shirley loved her Lord!! She drew near to Him in her trials and praised Him through the storm! Never once did she ask, “Why me?” but rather believed that she had a blessed life and that God was with her every step of the way! She was a proud member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, AL where she was an active member of the Dust Covered Disciples Sunday school class and was also involved in the Ridgecrest Women’s Ministry.

The loss of her is sudden and unexpected and not unlike Shirley, who was quick to get places and always in a hurry. We can imagine her rushing into eternity without hesitation, knowing that we have no doubts about her salvation or her promise to see us all there!

She is preceded in death by her Granny, Mildred Bethuel Stephens; parents, Emmett and Evelyn Stephens; brothers, Lamar Burkett and Johnny Stephens; infant son, Randall Derek Carroll; and infant grandchildren, Ashley and Michael Berry. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Watt; daughter, Sonya (Kerry) McLaney, of Hartford; son, Stephen (Nicole) Berry, of Bothell, Washington; granddaughter, Hali (Justin) Phillips, of Slocomb; grandson, Kade McLaney; grandson, Daniel Berry; granddaughter, Mallory Berry; great grandsons, Dawson Phillips and Ridge Phillips (due in November); and other extended family members, friends, and caretakers who are too numerous to list by name!

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Friday, October 27, 2017 from Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, AL with Reverend Bob Sanders officiating the service, interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery in Red Level, AL. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

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