Shirley Ann Milligan

Shirley Ann Milligan, née Harris, passed away peacefully at her home in Montgomery, Alabama, on the morning of March 8, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on January 10, 1940, in Butler, Alabama, Shirley grew up in Dozier. After graduating from Dozier High School, she married Jimmy Rawls, and together they had two children. The family lived in Andalusia, where she worked for many years at Alatex, Inc. Her dedication and ability earned her a promotion that took her to New York City, where she advanced into upper management. Later, she was personally selected by former Postmaster General Winton “Red” Blount to serve as his Executive Assistant, leading her back to Montgomery, where she became an integral part of the operations at Blount International, Inc., until her retirement after more than twenty-five years.

In 1986, Shirley married John Milligan, a Canadian-born Shakespearean actor who performed across North America and became a permanent cast member of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Together they shared a deep love for the arts, becoming actively involved with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the Jubilee Festival, where Shirley served on the board of directors for nearly a decade. A gifted pianist from a young age, she played for churches in Dozier and Andalusia and later delighted in teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play music during their visits. Her appreciation for the arts, travel, and world cultures left a lasting impression on her family.

Shirley is survived by her brother Gary Harris and his wife Diane, her son Jimbo Rawls and his wife Judith, her late daughter Tammy Boothe’s husband David Boothe, her stepdaughters Carol Milligan and Stefano Garofani, and Kriste Milligan and Niccolo Bono. She is also survived by seven grandchildren—Josh Taylor and Ashley, Sasha Loftin and Jason, Amanda Pierce and Mark, Micah Rawls, Christopher Boothe and Jenny, Emma Rose, Lara Marchesi, and Dimitri D’ippolito—ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. To her family, colleagues, and friends, she was known as a dedicated, professional, and elegant woman whose warmth and strength made her the heart of every gathering. She will be deeply missed.