The Life Reflection of
“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Isreal, “I AM has sent me to you.” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: “The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14-15
S aved, C lassy, S assy, S tylish, and S trong in the Lord, Momma Shirley B. Horton lived boldly, loved deeply, and departed this life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith and flair. Grounded in faith and rich in love, she was admired and respected by all who knew her. She had a special gift for “renaming” family and friends, a tradition that came full circle as she, too, was known by many endearing names.
“Momma Shirley”, “G-Momma”, “Grand Momma”, “Cluck”, “Shirley Boom Cluck”, “Granny”, “Sharp”, “Ms. Shirley”, “Aunt Shirley”, “Shur-Ann”, “Ms. Shirl”, “Pound Cake”, “Shirley Boom Boom”.
Mama Shirley was born December 21, 1945, to William Billings and Clovis Holland B. Dominick, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her Step-Father Harold Dominick and Grandson-in-Law, Preston Thornton.
A faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Carrollton (Clem), Georgia, Momma Shirley worshiped and served the Lord there for many years. She took great joy in attending church regularly and giving God ALL the praise, glory, and honor due His name. In her earlier years, she lifted her voice as an active member of the Choir Ministry and served in the Young Ladies Circle. She remained actively involved in the Pastoral Care, Hospitality and Singles Ministries.
Momma Shirley was a 1964 graduate of Carver High School in Carrollton, Georgia, and furthered her education at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, where she majored in Early Childhood Education. She had a special gift for helping others with their studies and was a natural whiz at mathematics. Possessing the heart of a true servant, she found joy in cooking, feeding, and nurturing everyone she encountered. She was an excellent baker, and her cakes were a sweet reflection of the love she shared with others. She used her passions in many areas throughout her life, working at Gold Kist (Pilgrim’s Pride), CAFI Head Start, Carrollton City Schools as a substitute, and Maplehurst Bakery. She later retired from the University of West Georgia, where she served at West Commons (Z-6). After retirement, she continued to find joy and fulfillment through baking cakes for Mr. Rowe (Stanley Rowe, Jr.) and Ga Spice & Rub Co. Ms. Shirl deeply loved Stan, and they shared a special bond that extended far beyond a business relationship. Having known Mr. Rowe since 2011, they never experienced a disagreement. She truly enjoyed baking and serving alongside the company at various events throughout the years.
Momma Shirley was well known throughout her neighborhood, where she found joy in ensuring that everyone was fed. Friends and neighbors always knew they could find love, comfort, and good food at Ms. Shirley’s home. She participated in the Holland’s First Cousins Club that met Monthly throughout the years.
Momma Shirley was married in 1969, and from this union, she was blessed with her daughter, Inga Y. Horton. She was later graced with three granddaughters Whitney, Jelissa, and Jasmine whom she deeply loved and lovingly helped raise.
She passionately leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Inga; her granddaughters, Whitney, Jelissa, and Jasmine; her grandchildren, Kylie, Kai’Niya, Kinsley, Kason, Kaleigh, Jaidyn, Aubreigh, Maveric, and Yara; two special sisters, Willar Dean Mitchell and Brenda Billings; a host of beloved first cousins; special sons and grandsons, Baby Josh, Ice Cream, Mr. Rowe, Chris and Rodney Horton, special daughters and granddaughters, MommaT, Erica, Tarika, Stephanie, Christa, Addison, and Teaundrea, and a host of many beloved family members, friends, and colleagues.
Momma Shirley leaves a markable legacy for all who loved her to pattern and follow.
Prelude
Musicians
Processional Clergy & Family
“The Crowning of Our Queen”
“I Shall Wear a Crown” – ABC Praise Team
Prayer Sister Veleta Holland
Song Antioch Mass Choir
Reading of the Scripture
Old Testament
Minister Shanta Monroe
New Testament Minister Cora Ann Reeves
Song Antioch Mass Choir
Remarks
(Please limit to 3 Minutes please)
Regina Higgins McSwain, Family Elder Albert Billings, Family Kai’Niya/Kylie/Kinsley, Great-Grandchildren
Whitney Horton, Granddaughter
Song Antioch Mass Choir
Eulogy
Pastor Dr. Vincent Dortch
Acknowledgements/Presentations Christa Mattews
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home
Recessional
Interment
Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery 2930 Newnan Road - Hwy 16 Carrollton, GA 30116
I Made it Home
I just wanted to let you know that I made it home.
Everything is so pretty here, So white, so fresh, so new. I wish that you could close your eyes so you could see it too.
Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand. God is taking care of me.... I'm in the shelter of His hands.
Here there is no sadness, and no sorrow, and no pain.
Here there is no crying, and I'll never hurt again.
Here it is so peaceful, when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now, I've just got to try my wings.
P.S..... I'll be the first face you see when you get here.
MommaShirleyBHorton
SpecialTributes
We celebrate the life of Mother Shirley Horton, a faithful Mother of Antioch who walked in Love and the Holy Spirit. She treated me as her own son, continually encouraging me in ministry and affirming the great work the Lord was doing.
Blessed with the gift of discernment, the gift of tongues and she served faithfully in Pastoral Care. Each year, she never failed to ask me on church annual days, “My son what kind of cake do you want me to bake you? Lol
With Love, Pastor Dortch & Son
Aunt Shirley, Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in His Keeping, and I have you in my Heart. Although your Beautiful Smile is gone forever and your hand I cannot touch, I still have so many memory of the one I loved so much. I’m really heart broken but just know you are never forgotten. In Loving memories of my Big Sister Shirley Horton….
Until WE MEET again.
Aunt Dean
Dear Ms. Shirl,
On behalf of Ga Spice & Rub Co. We thank you for being with us since the start of our catering business. From COVID when the business plan was put into place, you stayed with us in our home, until your last event from Home Depot. When I talked to you, I told you to get out of that hospital bed because we had more money to make & you said you were looking forward to it. Well, that wasn’t the plan! You had baking to do elsewhere. I am thankful for all the love you put into every slice of cake that you baked. You took the same pride for the business that we had, like it was yours. We love ya and will miss you more than you will ever know. Thank you for everything Shirl, it was a blessing to share this business with you.
Until next time, Stan
I thought of you with love today. I thought about you yesterday and day before that too. God has you and I have your in my heart Sister Shirley.
I Love You, Shirley!
-Brenda Billings
Floral Attendants
Cousins and Friends
honorary Floral Attendants
ABC Praise Team
Teangelia Tillery
Regina Higgins McSwain
Tarika Sharpe
pallbearers
Cousins and Friends
honorary Pallbearers
Stan Rowe
Kason Pollen
Marcus Shackelford
Chris Horton
Erica Sharpe
Lapraya “Big Face” Curry
Candi Gamble
Josh (Baby Josh) Holland
Cinquez Jester
Jermaine Hill
Rodney Horton
Jermaine Terry
Expressions of Gratitude
The family of Shirley Ann B. Horton extends our sincere appreciation for your many acts of kindness expressed through prayers, food, cards, flowers, visits, text messages, and calls during the homegoing celebration of our Queen. A special thanks to Pastor Vincent Dortch & Antioch Baptist Church Family, Stephanie Holland, Erica Sharpe, Nurses Shae, Vickie, Martha & Nurse Z at Grady Memorial Hospital for the excellent care of Momma Shirley during her illness and stay. Words cannot fully express just how much we appreciate each of you.
The Horton Family
Carrollton Chapel 602 Newnan Road | Carrollton, Georgia 30117 770-836-0044
Darrell E. Watkins, Licensed Funeral Director www.williewatkins.com
The K Effect, Print & Design, 678-732-5937
