Shirley Plier Howard, 83, of Thorsby, Alabama passed away March 19, 2026, in Thorsby, AL.

She was born September 23, 1942, in Talladega County, Alabama, daughter of the late Harold Riggins and the late Rosa Riggins.

Shirley was a retired Real Estate Broker, Business Owner and Investor. She became the sole Owner/Operator of Thorsby Building Supply and the sole Owner/Property Manager of several investment properties after being widowed in 1974. Shirley's Real Estate career also began in the 1970's and she quickly advanced from Real Estate Agent to Real Estate Broker/Manager of a local Brokerage to Broker/Owner of her own Real Estate Brokerage in Chilton County. Shirley was also able to experience her Dream of being a Real Estate Broker and Investor in Gulf Shores which she enjoyed when she relocated there in the late 1980's. She gave back and built community trust through being a City Council member, active Chamber of Commerce member and Secretary of the Alabama Home Builders Association among other organizations. Shirley was driven toward professional achievement and her career was highlighted by many awards throughout the years and professional certifications but more importantly was her intense personal dedication to her family. She spoiled her children while teaching them about Love, the importance of hard work and being good to and concerned for others. Shirley retired from real estate to help care for her Mother whose health was failing in the early 2000's. She continued to travel back and forth between her home in Thorsby and her Condominium on the beach in her beloved Gulf Shores until Dementia made that impossible for her. She believed everyone was special and important and she chose kindness and respect in her daily actions. Her impact and memory will always be treasured.

Surviving are her Daughter, Debra Plier (Joe) Hubbard, Sister, Jerrie Childress Compton, Step-Daughter, Retha (Paul) Bryant; numerous Grand's, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Doil Eugene Plier, who was the father of her beloved children; Second husband, Willie Joel Howard; Parents, Harold & Rosa Lee Riggins; Son, Darryl Eugene Plier; Brother, John Ed Riggins.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 1:00 pm. at Midway Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mark Bolton officiating.

Interment will follow in Midway Memorial Gardens.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.