Reverend Shirley E. Webster
Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25 KJV
Reverend Shirley Webster, 84, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 7, 2025, surrounded
by the love of her family and the presence of her Savior. A selfless and faithful servant
of God, Shirley’s life was a living testimony of her devotion to Jesus Christ and her love
for people.
She was born to Elsie Gibson Utt and Carson Utt, who preceded her in death, along
with her beloved husband, Richard Webster; one brother, Carson Utt; four sister,
Rosetta Lower, Patricia Lois Williams, Freda May McGee, and Nealie Coo Dettrey.
Her family was her most cherished blessing. She leaves behind her sister, Mona
Kolshorn of Vienna, OH; brothers Brice (Janet) Utt of Columbus, OH, and Ira M. Utt of
Charleston, WV; six daughters, Chrystal Kelley, Candy (Clint) Drainer, Connie Wagner,
Bobbie Jo Webster, Sabrina (Sheldon) Holbert, and Savannah (Ayo) Adeyina, along
with 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of
faith and love.
She was a woman of great strength, a mighty prayer warrior, and a steadfast servant.
She served in ministry for more than 60 years. Shirley and her husband established
Teens for Christ church in Philippi. She then pastored Hunters Fork Church (Belington),
and Green Valley Church (Bridgeport) for nearly 50 years. She taught countless Bible
classes and studies, even leading classes at the Towers in Philippi and her home just
days before her passing. She faithfully led a prison ministry, and served as chaplain at
the Pruntytown correctional facility. She also gave her time as a hospice volunteer,
offering comfort to those in their most difficult moments.
Shirley was a leader in every sense of the word. When her daughters were younger,
she poured her energy into their lives as a Girl Scout troop leader. She faithfully guided
others toward Christ, not only through her preaching and teaching, but through the
example of her daily walk with Him.
Above all, Shirley loved Jesus with her whole heart and led countless others to love Him
as well. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to impact lives for
generations to come.
Family will receive friends at Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Thursday September 11 from 2- 8 pm. Shirley will be moved to the Teens for Christ Church 19750 Barbour County Highway, Philippi on Friday to receive friends from 9- 11 am. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am in the church sanctuary with Pastor Chrystal Kelley officiating. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life of
a woman who truly lived to serve her Lord. Interment will follow in Mary’s Chapel Cemetery.
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Services
Visitation: Thursday, September 11, 2025 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wright Funeral Home
220 N Walnut Street
Philippi , WV 26416
(304) 457-2121







Thankful to have known and worked in the same fields of labor as Sister Shirley what a testimony of faithfulness to the work of the Lord. You’re in our prayers.
Sending my thoughts and prayers for such a huge loss for the whole family. She was a good lady that helped so many. Now she’s reunited with her husband and other loved ones in heaven. Rest in peace.
Leah and family: What a wonderful grandmother you were blessed with! I know it is so painful to lose someone who meant so much to you! Her life lessons will always be a part of you! Oh how sweet to imagine her in heaven praising her Lord and Savior Jesus! All my love and prayers to you! Lee Anne & Spurgeon Burton
Sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady another wonderful angel is up in heaven r.i.p. Shirley
My deepest condolences for the family. It is so hard to lose a loved one. Shirley is probably so happy to be where she is now but she will be missed for all who are still here.
So sorry to hear of your loss, all of our loss really. Shirley was a great, wonderful, loving Christian. An awesome wife, mother, grandmother and christian woman who will be missed. I had great respect and love for her. She was a part of my life for years and impacted me in the way she lived, served her savior and gave me spiritual advice and showed kindness, love and genuine concern. I send my deepest condolences to the family. God just received a choir and devotional leader.
Shirley has always been a part of my life. She has always been one of the strongest women I have ever known. She has always stood strong in her beliefs. She will be missed so much by so many. May she finally receive her rewards in Heaven. Rest easy Shirley. Love ya. Prayers for the family.
Sending hugs and prayers for your family. We are very sorry for your loss. Our loss is heavens gain . 🙏
Praying for the peace of God to surround her family and friends. I didn’t get to hear her preach often but when I did, it was truly a blessing received. We have lost a pillar of the community and she will be missed.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sis shirly was truly a caring,loving woman of God.Who was lead by the Spirit of God.Giving those who were called the opportunity to share the word of God.Encouraging others in disrupt situations to trust in the Lord.knowledgeable in the word.She is having a family reunion with family and those who she knew.and Seeing Jesus being in the presents of the Lord.God bless all those that knew and lived her.
Aunt Shirley has and always will be an inspiration to me. My life and love for Jesus is richer for having had her in my life!