Shirley Ashley James of Sheridan, Arkansas was born September 26, 1934, the youngest of seven daughters of the late Drew Edward and Versie Jane Appling Ashley.

Shirley returned to Sheridan in 2019 after leaving Dublin, Georgia, where she lived for over 50 years to be close to the extended Ashley family following the death of her husband, Edward A. James. She was an active member of Jefferson Street Baptist Church, Dublin, GA for many years, singing in the choir, serving on the Youth and Senior Adult Committees, leading in the Girls' Auxiliary, and volunteering as church librarian. After many years serving at Jefferson Street, she and Ed moved their talents to First Baptist Church of Dublin, GA, where she was a choir member and volunteer for the "Hands of Ruth" – a ministry that provides seated meals to families following a loved one's funeral service.

Ms. James died April 16 at Sheridan Healthcare and Rehab at the age of 86.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Edward A. James; her son, Brian E. James; five sisters Trula McGarity, Mildred Whitaker, Joyce Sites, Delphia Culpepper, and Dorothy Gregory; and six brothers-in-law Hershel McGarity, Emmet Whitaker, Clyde Sites, Conley Culpepper, Bill Gregory, and Carl Horton.

She is survived by one son, Alan L. (Carol) James of Knoxville, TN; one sister, Betty Ashley Horton of Sheridan and grandchildren, Christopher James of Harlem, GA and Ivey (Brent) Walker, of Seffner FL, along with numerous Ashley nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan with Rev. Scott Culpepper officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. until service time.