Miss Shirley Ann Ford was born October 1, 1944 to the late Tom and Flora Belle Ramsey Ford, Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. Shirley confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Sixth Baptist Church where she was a member until her passing.

Shirley grew up in the East Thomas community and attended Tuggle Elementary, A.H. Parker High School, where she served as first-chair clarinet and studied classical piano music under the late Mrs. Gregory Durr White. She later graduated from Miles College with a degree in sociology.

Shirley was employed as a social worker for the Birmingham Housing Authority, as a unit clerk for UAB's Diabetes Hospital, and for Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas. After returning to Birmingham, she worked for Brookwood Hospital.

Shirley leaves the following loved ones to cherish her memory: her brother Tom Ford III (Susan) and a host of cousins.