Shirley Ballard

January 6, 1947 – January 24. 2023

Shirley Faye Green Ballard, age 76, was called to her eternal home on January 24^th, 2023. She graduated from Doyle High School in 1964 and married the love of her life of the past 59 years, Herbert “Wimp” Ballard May 1964. One of her greatest joys in her life was when she & Wimp adopted their only child, Lee Ann when she was 3 days old. Shirley loved being a wife and a mother and poured her whole life into developing those relationships. Throughout her life she felt her greatest calling was proclaiming the name of Jesus and sharing the gospel with everyone. One of the greatest highlights of her life was the 29 years that she taught a Women’s Bible Study at the Livingston Parish Prison. She loved leading people to Jesus and answered His greatest calling on her life daily. She loved being raised at Red Oak Baptist Church and was an active leader and teacher there until she joined First Baptist Church of Livingston where she continued her faithful service to the Lord until He called her home. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return.”

She is survived by her husband, Herbert “Wimp” Ballard; daughter, Lee Ann Ballard Watson and husband Thomas; grandchildren, Peyton Elizabeth Watson and Dylan Thomas Watson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles “Bud” and Lucille Tate Green, her Aunt that raised her from 5 years old until she was married – Nancy Jane Tate Lee and Uncle Edward Lee, brothers Jimmy Green, Ronald Green and her sister Helen Green McSwain Johnson.

Pallbearers: Thomas Watson, Dylan Watson, Joe Saragusa (honorary son), Vicky McSwain, Michael McSwain and Bruce Green (nephews).

Shirley loved and cherished her friendships so much and we’d like to thank Diane Bankston Whitehead (cousin), Carleen Wallace and Annette Simms for being like sisters to her for many years. Also, a huge thanks to Maison de Fleur Assisted Living for their support & love for the past almost 5 years that she resided there.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Livingston, Saturday January 28^th from 10 am until service at 12 noon, officiated by Bro Jeff Smart, her honorary son of 38 years. Committal service will immediately follow at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.