Shirley Kay Williams

Shirley (Smith) Williams, age 82, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died March 19, 2025, at her home after a lengthy illness. Shirley was born October 28, 1942, in rural Howard County near Cushing, Nebraska, to Eldon “Brick” and Lola (Helser) Smith. She attended elementary school in Cushing and graduated from Palmer High School in 1960. She attended and graduated from the Grand Island School of Business in 1961 and immediately began working at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

Shirley was united in marriage to Larry Spotanski in 1962. They resided in Grand Island and had two daughters, Sheri and Shelly. She married Tom Williams on March 25, 1992. They resided in Grand Island throughout their marriage. Shirley was a devoted mother to her two girls as well as a dedicated employee of the Chamber of Commerce for 27 years.

In 1994, Shirley suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that left her with partial paralysis. Even though she faced many challenges over the last 30 years she remained optimistic and strong. Every spring, Shirley enjoyed her outings to the horse races with Tom and loved spending time with her daughters and their families.

Survivors include her husband, Tom, of Grand Island; daughter, Sheri and husband John Hastings of Lincoln; daughter, Shelly and husband Brian Thompson of Matthews, North Carolina; grandchildren: Megan (Matthew) Russell, Katie Hastings, Abby Hastings, Samuel Thompson, and Madelyn Thompson; great-grandsons: Camden Hastings and Miles Russell. She is also survived by her sister, Sandy (Gary) Rudolf of St. Charles, Iowa, and brother, Gary (Kristy) Smith of Palmer, Nebraska, and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents.

Shirley was lovingly cared for over the last four years by Tabitha Hospice nurses, Sheila, Rosie, and Sarah.

At Shirley’s request there will not be a funeral service, but a celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Memorials may be directed to Tabitha Hospice (https://www.tabitha.org/give/donate/ or 4720 Randolph St., Lincoln, NE 68510, Attn: Tabitha Foundation).