Shirley Kyles is a name many people know because she was married to the famous soul singer Al Green. But her real story goes far beyond being just someone’s wife. Shirley was a soldier, a gospel singer, a mother, and a survivor.
She lived through deep pain, but she didn’t let that pain define her. She found strength in her faith, in her voice, and in her desire to help others. In this article, we’ll take a close look at her life — from her early childhood to her powerful years of advocacy.
You’ll discover how Shirley Kyles, Al Green’s ex-wife, grew from a quiet church girl into a strong, fearless woman whose story still inspires people today.
Shirley Kyles Quick Bio
| Full Name | Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green |
| Known As | Shirley Kyles |
| Born | July 28, 1948 |
| Died | July 17, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 74 years old |
| Birthplace | Oregon, USA |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian (Baptist) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Profession | Military Colonel, Gospel Singer, Advocate |
| Military Rank | Colonel |
| Education | Trinity International University, University of Memphis |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of singer Al Green |
| Marriage | Al Green (1977–1983) |
| Children | Alva, Rubi, and Cora Green |
| Life After Divorce | Speaker, Advocate, Counselor |
| Place of Death | Mobile, Alabama |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
Shirley Kyles’ Early Life and Childhood
Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green was born on July 28, 1948, in Oregon, USA. She was raised in a loving Christian home. Her father, Larry Samuel Focht, was a Baptist preacher, and her mother, Astrid Eugenia Eleanora Focht, was warm, caring, and deeply spiritual.
When she was still a child, her family moved to Chicago. Life in their home was centered around the church. Faith, prayer, and gospel music were part of everyday life. Shirley learned how to sing in church and how to care for others through her parents’ example.
She grew up with strong values. From a young age, she understood kindness, discipline, and faith. These values stayed with her throughout her life, helping her face many challenges.
Shirley Kyles’ Family, Parents, and Faith
Shirley’s family played a big role in shaping who she became. Her father wasn’t just any preacher — he was a man who truly lived his faith. Her mother, Astrid, was the heart of the home, always full of wisdom and peace.
In church, Shirley found her voice. She wasn’t looking to become famous. She just wanted to sing for God and help people feel comforted. She believed music had the power to heal, and she carried that belief with her all her life.
Even when life became painful later on, Shirley leaned on the faith her parents had taught her. It gave her strength when she needed it most. Her trust in God was her foundation — and it never left her.
Shirley Kyles’ Love for Music and Singing
Music was always in Shirley’s heart. From the time she was a little girl, she sang in choirs and at church events. Her voice was soft and warm, and people often said it made them feel calm inside.
She never tried to be in the spotlight. She just loved sharing gospel songs. For her, music was a way to spread joy and faith. She believed that singing was one of the best ways to worship and connect with others.
This love for gospel music eventually led her to meet someone who would change her life — Al Green. But before we get to that, it’s important to know another side of Shirley — a side most people don’t know.
Shirley Kyles’ Military Career and Leadership
Not many people know that Shirley Kyles, Al Green’s ex-wife, was also a strong and respected military leader. She joined the U.S. military and worked her way up to become a Colonel. That’s a huge achievement, especially for a Black woman at that time.
She showed bravery, focus, and discipline. Her service wasn’t just a job — it was a way to protect others and serve with honor. People respected her not just for her title, but for how she carried herself: calm, wise, and always steady.
Her time in the military helped build the inner strength she would need later in life. It taught her how to stand tall, even when things felt hard. It was one of the first signs of just how strong she really was.
How Shirley Kyles Met Al Green
In 1976, Shirley’s path crossed with Al Green’s at a Baptist church in Memphis. She was there singing during a service. Al Green, already a famous soul singer, was also attending that day. He was known for songs like Let’s Stay Together and Love and Happiness.
When Al heard Shirley sing, he was moved. He saw something special in her — not just her voice, but her faith. He asked her to join his music group and help with events at his Full Gospel Tabernacle Church.
They quickly formed a bond through their shared love of gospel music and ministry work. They spent time together at church, rehearsing songs and praying. It started with music and faith… but soon became something more.
Shirley Kyles and Al Green’s Marriage
After about a year of knowing each other, Shirley and Al Green got married in June 1977. The wedding was small and simple, held in a preacher’s living room. Shirley wore a plain white cotton dress. The ceremony took less than ten minutes.
At first, things looked beautiful. They traveled together, sang together, and worked side by side at church. Shirley supported her husband’s music and ministry, and many people saw them as a spiritual power couple.
But behind the scenes, things were starting to change. Shirley’s quiet strength would soon be tested in ways she never expected. What looked like a peaceful marriage from the outside was, sadly, not the full truth.
Shirley Kyles’ Painful Marriage and Abuse Story
Not long after their wedding, Shirley began to face something no woman should ever have to deal with — abuse. She later shared that Al Green became controlling and physically violent. The same man who sang about love in public was hurting her in private.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came early in their marriage when Shirley suffered a miscarriage. The pain was too much, and she went back to Chicago to stay with her sister. But Al promised to change, so she returned.
Sadly, the abuse continued. Shirley tried to stay for her daughters and her faith. She hoped that things would improve. But the truth is, she was living in fear, holding everything together for the sake of love and family.
Why Shirley Kyles Filed for Divorce from Al Green
Shirley tried to leave more than once. She filed for divorce in 1978 and again in 1981 — but both times she went back. Like many women in her situation, she still had hope. She wanted to believe in change.
But by 1983, Shirley made the bravest decision of her life. She finally left for good. She filed for divorce and shared her full story — not just for herself, but for other women who were scared to speak up.
Her case went to court, and in 1989, the judge awarded her $432,800 for damages. More importantly, Shirley found her peace. She later said, “It’s not about him. It’s about how I came through it.” That one sentence says so much about who she was.
Shirley Kyles as Al Green’s Ex-Wife After Divorce
After her final divorce from Al Green in 1983, Shirley Kyles began a new chapter. She stepped away from the spotlight and focused on finding peace. She didn’t speak badly of her past. Instead, she focused on healing and moving forward.
Even though she was known as Al Green’s ex-wife, Shirley didn’t want pity. She wanted to live a good life and help her children grow up strong. She stayed calm, quiet, and full of grace — even after all the pain she had lived through.
Many women in her place might have disappeared. But Shirley chose something different. She used her story to bring light to others still stuck in the dark.
Shirley Kyles’ Children and Life as a Mother
Shirley had three daughters with Al Green — Alva, Rubi, and Cora Green. Her love for them was deep and strong. Even during hard times, she stayed close to her girls and did everything she could to keep them safe.
Her oldest daughter, Alva Green, became a doctor. She now works at UT Southwestern Medical Center and often shares health tips and thoughts online. Alva clearly followed her mother’s caring example.
Rubi Green is more private, but she still shares special family moments on social media. She doesn’t talk much about her work, but she shows love for her roots. The youngest, Cora Green, is studying Retail Management and learning how to run a business.
Shirley raised her daughters to be independent, kind, and strong — just like her.
Shirley Kyles’ New Life as a Speaker and Advocate
After her divorce, Shirley didn’t stay quiet. She wanted to help others who were living in fear. So, she started sharing her story. She talked to women in shelters, to church groups, and to people who needed hope.
She didn’t just speak about the bad parts. She talked about how she survived, how she healed, and how others could do the same. Shirley Kyles became more than Al Green’s ex-wife — she became a voice for those who felt voiceless.
She wanted people to know that leaving abuse is not shameful. It is brave. And healing is always possible.
Shirley Kyles’ Education and Advocacy Work
To help others better, Shirley went back to school. She earned a degree in Christian Counseling and Theology from Trinity International University. She also studied Public Relations and Communications at the University of Memphis.
She used these skills to reach more people. She joined groups that support women, spoke at public events, and helped organize safe spaces for survivors. But she also spoke to abusers, helping them understand the pain they caused.
Shirley believed change could happen — if people listened and learned. Her work gave hope to many people, and her words helped stop many cycles of pain.
Shirley Kyles’ Later Years and Death
In her later years, Shirley lived a quiet life in Mobile, Alabama. She stayed close to her family and continued to sing in church and speak when she could. Even when she wasn’t in the spotlight, she was still making a difference.
On July 17, 2023, just days before her 75th birthday, Shirley Kyles passed away. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by love. Her daughters, her friends, and the people she had helped all mourned her loss.
But they also celebrated her life. Shirley had lived with honesty, strength, and faith. She had faced darkness and still chose light.
Shirley Kyles’ Legacy and Why Her Story Matters
The story of Shirley Kyles, Al Green’s ex-wife, still matters in 2026. Her life teaches us that people can be both hurt and strong. That you can go through terrible things and still rise with kindness and grace.
She turned her pain into purpose. She helped women find courage and helped men face the truth. She showed the world that you don’t need fame to make an impact — just faith, love, and a brave heart.
Every time someone shares her story, her message lives on: You are not alone. You can survive. You can heal.
Final Thoughts
Shirley Kyles was more than just Al Green’s ex-wife. She was a mother, a soldier, a singer, and a healer. She didn’t let her pain define her. Instead, she used it to lift others up.
Her life reminds us that quiet strength is still strength, and real love means safety, care, and peace. Shirley’s voice — whether through music, faith, or advocacy — touched many people. And even though she’s no longer here, her story still shines.
In a world full of loud voices, Shirley Kyles stood for something gentle but powerful: truth, healing, and hope.
(FAQs)
How old was Shirley Kyles and when was her birthday?
Shirley Kyles was born on July 28, 1948. She died on July 17, 2023, just 11 days before her 75th birthday.
Did Shirley Kyles throw hot grits on Al Green?
That story is about another woman, not Shirley. It happened in 1974, before Shirley and Al Green got married.
What was Shirley Kyles like when she was young?
When she was young, Shirley was a kind and strong woman. She loved church, singing, and later became a military leader.
Is there an obituary for Shirley Kyles?
Yes, but it was shared privately by her family. She passed away in Mobile, Alabama, and many people shared sweet memories of her.
Is Shirley Kyles still alive? Where did she live?
Shirley passed away in 2023. Before she died, she lived a quiet life in Mobile, Alabama, staying close to her faith and family.
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