Vera Nell Shirley James

Vera Nell Shirley James, age 91, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021 at Hospice of West Alabama with her family by her side. A celebration of her life is planned for Tuesday, November 30th at 11:00am with Pastor Bill Holley officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at Memory Chapel funeral home.

Vera was a remarkable woman. She loved her husband and children deeply and completely. She was valedictorian of her senior class at Holt High School. After attending nursing school, she worked with Dr. Roy White and Dr. Jim Shamblin. Later in her career she worked with Drs. Partlow, Daly, and Payne until she retired. Vera was a member of the Nazarene church all of her life. She attended Alberta Nazarene Church for many years where she served on the church board, Missions International, and taught Sunday School. She had a beautiful alto voice and was a faithful choir member. She often sang solo but she enjoyed singing duets with her brother Ken Shirley. When her husband, Billy, came into her life, their dynamic Ken and Vera duo became a trio. Billy fit right in and completed the perfect blend of alto, tenor, and bass. Soon, she and Billy became a part of the Holten Heights Nazarene church family and served there for many years. Vera shared Billy’s love of gardening and yard work. Together they created beautiful gardens and landscapes at their home in town and at their cabin on the river. Vera and Billy loved to travel, often spontaneously, and mostly by car because “you could see more that way.” They were an adventuresome, fun loving pair and shared a wonderful life together. Vera was many things to many people. She was a caregiver, a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and was the spiritual leader for her children. She was a provider and the perfect example of how to be an overcomer. She beat down every obstacle life tossed her way and became a stronger, more determined person in the process. We are blessed to have had her with us for these years and we rejoice knowing she is healed and happy to be home with Jesus and her loved ones. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice of West Alabama. Their kindness, guidance, and compassion for our mother and our family will never be forgotten.

Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy James.

She is survived by her sister Hazel Mouchette, her brother Ken Shirley, her daughter and loving caregiver Linda Englebert, sons James Larry Englebert (Jeannie), Bobby James (Marsha), and Billy Joel James. Grandchildren are Kristi Dyer (Rhett), Kelly Echols (Josh), Kevin James, and Wesley James. Great grandchildren are Ashlyn Kilgore, Cannon Dyer, and Case Dyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 or Holten Heights Nazarene Church 4401 17th Street NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404