Rev. Shirley Delores Morris Greenwood

Reverend Shirley Delores Morris Greenwood, a faithful servant of the Lord, was born on June 23, 1950, to the late Ruth Morris Jackson and Leon Morris, Sr. She was one of six children. She was preceded in death by three siblings, Sara Morris, Leon Morris, Jr., and Douglas Morris.

Reverend Greenwood was reared in a loving Christian home where faith in God, discipline, and strong family values was instilled at an early age. She received her formal education in the Leon County School System and furthered her studies at Florida A&M University.

Reverend Greenwood confessed Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and united with Bethel AME Church, where her Christian foundation was firmly established. In her early twenties, she joined Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, and at the age of thirty-two, she united with New Mt. Zion AME Church, where she continued to grow in faith and service.

Reverend Greenwood answered the divine call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Pastor James L. Byrd. She delivered her trial sermon and was subsequently ordained on August 18, 1990. Following her ordination, she entered full-time ministry and faithfully served as pastor at Mt Olive AME in Carrabelle, Florida, and at Galilee AME Church in Woodville, Florida. August 23, 1992, she became an Ordained Itinerant Elder. Throughout her ministry, she labored diligently, preaching the Word, shepherding souls, and uplifting the communities she served.

A woman of deep faith, prayer, and conviction, Reverend Greenwood exemplified the doctrines, discipline, and spirit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church through her steadfast commitment to God, the Church, and His people. Her life was a living testimony of service, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in the Lord. She was known by many names, Ma, Grammy, GiGi, Aunt Shirley, Sister Shirley, Godmom, Ms. G, Reverend Grammy, Mama G, and Reverend Greenwood, each one carrying its own special meaning and memory. She was a mentor when guidance was needed, a babysitter when help was required, and a cake baker whose love could be tasted in every layer. She showed up without being asked and gave without expecting anything in return. Her wisdom was steady, her prayers were powerful, and her presence alone brought comfort. She had a way of making you feel seen, heard, and loved, whether through a warm meal, a firm but loving word, or a quiet prayer whispered just for you. She was the glue, the covering, and the example of what it meant to love deeply and live faithfully.

Reverend Greenwood leaves to cherish her sacred memory her daughter, Ivana McCray(Cornell); grandchildren Jordan Young, Kamari McCray (Jariss), Aminah McCray, Casey McCray, and Kyla McCray; great-granddaughter Melani Young; brothers Reverend Charles Morris and G. L. Jackson; nephews Robert T. Russ (Katrin), Douglas Morris, Jr., Howard Jason Jackson, Gerron Jackson, and Marcus Jackson; nieces Shauna Allen Robinson, Theodora Gayre, LaShawn Morris, and Bridget Morris (Cardale); great-niece and devoted caregiver Ashley N. Lester; great-niece Ebony Morris; great-nephews JeShaun McCullough,

Christopher Gayre, Jr. (Chasiney), Jaelen Blackman, Malik Gayre, Jamal Gayre, Kevin Russ, Brian Russ, Justin Morris, and Douglas Morris III; special great-great-niece Aubrielle Smith; great-great-niece Maliyah Gayre; great-great-nephews Kason Gayre and Cassius Gayre; Madison and Justin Morris, Jaden Green, and Josiah Veasy; godchildren Tammy Moss (David), Jackie LaChele Gilchrist White (Hayward), and Heather Cuff; and other relatives, friends, and colleagues in ministry.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:21 (KJV)