Shirley Porter Williamson

Shirley Porter Williamson, 94, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at her home in Frankfort, Kentucky. The daughter of the late Fred Samuel and Marie Coffey Porter, Shirley was born December 25, 1929, in Phil, Kentucky in the home of her grandparents. Shirley graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English. In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degrees, she received a Master of Arts in School Administration and an Education Specialist Degree in School Administration from Murray State University. Shirley began her career as a schoolteacher in the Ballard County Public Schools. She served as the Director of Public Relations and Pupil Personnel Services for the Paducah Public Schools and later as the Assistant to the President of the Paducah Community College. She served as an Organizational Analyst for the Governor’s Office for Program Administration, Director of Media Relations and Legislative Analyst for the Office of the Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives.  She was the first female Associate Commissioner in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Communication Services. Shirley also was a freelance writer for the Paducah Sun for 10 years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing Bridge, loved Happy Hour, wine, and going to casinos. 

Shirley is survived by her daughters Leah (William Legg) MacSwords of Frankfort, Mary Speed (Mark) Embry of Caneyville, and Casey Ann (Philip) Greer of Frankfort; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.   

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lee Darlington.   

No services are planned at this time, Clark Legacy Center, Versailles Rd, Frankfort, is in charge of arrangements.   

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators at bgcarenav.org