Sister Shirley Ann Rowe Echols was born on August 24, 1952, in Gulfport, Mississippi to John and Mary Louise Rowe. She departed her life here on earth on February 2, 2022. 

She was the oldest of six children. Two brothers, James Rowe and Deric DeWayne Rowe, preceded her in death. She engaged in marriage in the fall of 1967 to Willie Lee Echols, who preceded her in death. To that union, one son was born, Kenneth DeWayne Echols. She later committed her spousal union to her lifelong partner, Emmitt McKinney, who also preceded her in death. She was educated in the Birmingham school system through her elementary and high school years. She confessed to Christ at an early age and united at Bethel Baptist Church and later joined the Healing Springs Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.H. Perryman until her death. Shirley was a loving daughter, wife,  mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her son, Kenneth DeWayne Echols (Felecia); one granddaughter, Monique McDade; two great-grandsons, DeMarion McDade and Demetrius Davis; two sisters, Laverne Rowe-Steele and Brenae Barnes; one brother, John Rowe, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nephews and nieces, cousins, and other kin.