A COMMUNITY stalwart who was praised for her dedication to the her village church has died, aged 75.

Shirley Williams was a committed community worker in her home village of Stretton Sugwas, unstinting in her duties to most of the local organisations.

Her energy was described locally as 'incredible'. Shortly before she died on November 18, Bishop of Hereford Richard Jackson wrote to her praising her dedication to the village church, the primary school and the wider community.

Mrs Williams was church warden for 32 years, clerk to the parish council for over 30 years and chair of Governors at the Church of England primary school. She had also served as chairperson of Stretton Sugwas Village Hall.

Shirley and husband Terry married at Stretton Sugwas church in 1965 first living in nearby Swainshill and later in Credenhill, where she was church warden for 10 years and an assistant leader of the Brownies .

Her prowess as an administrator included 40 years as treasurer of the Magna Drama group.

Bishop Richard said in his letter: “We want you to know that your hard work and dedication over many years has been noticed and is greatly valued.

"You have made a very special contribution to the life of your community.”

Mrs Williams worked alongside her husband as office manager of the family business, Melcon the electrical company, now run by son Christopher.

The Rev Philip Brown, rector of Stretton Sugwas church said: “Shirley was at the centre of parish life. A woman of profound integrity and drive, a fountain of wisdom with an insatiable appetite for making a difference to people’s lives.” She is survived by husband Terry, sons Gary, Philip and Christopher, daughter Karen and nine grandchildren.