Rev. Becky Shirley began her service at WSUMC in 2021. Previously, she served at at Philadelphia UMC in Fort Mill SC.  She is a graduate of Columbia College, University of South Carolina, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary here in Columbia. In the past, she has served at Trenholm Road UMC, Platt Springs Road UMC, and other congregations across SC.

Rev Shirley is married to Richard Shirley and they have one daughter, Michelle.  Michelle and her husband, Joseph, are both teachers in the Fairfield school district and live in Columbia with their son, Joey. Her mother, Ann Joyner, suffers from dementia and is currently living with Rev. Shirley and Richard in their home.

Rev. Shirley is a certified director for Rainbows for All God’s Children, a Grief Support ministry for children, youth, and adults experiencing the various losses associated with divorce, and served for many years as a grief support leader for children whose parents had died from cancer. Rev. Shirley is also trained as a Stphen Leader in the Steven Ministry system of lay caregiving. Her community engagement includes serving as the clergy representative on the Sex Education Committee for Richland School District One and for Edgefield County School District; as a member of The National Association Mental Health Alliance Columbia Area Council; The Edgefield County Community Planning Council; the SCUMC Conference Credit Union Credit Review Committee, the Greenwood District Committee on Congregational Development and the Columbia College Alumni Council and Board of Visitors. In addition, she has served as secretary for the UMCSC Conference Staff Relations Committee and for the Conference Board on Ordained Ministry and as a member of the Board on Ordained Ministry for the SC Annual Conference. She currently serves as chairperson of the Columbia District Committee on Congregational Development for the SC United Methodist Conference.   

In her spare time, Rev. Shirley enjoys hiking and exploring both state and national parks, running, and playing with her “furbaby”— a Lhasa Apso, named Lizzie. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her grandson, Joey.