Shirley Kyles is a name many people remember because of her marriage to the famous soul singer Al Green. But what most people don’t know is that Shirley’s story is about much more than that. It’s about courage, strength, and faith.
She lived through some of the hardest moments a woman can face, yet she turned her pain into purpose. Shirley was not just a wife — she was a soldier, a singer, a mother, and a woman who stood strong in the face of challenges.
In this article, we’ll explore the real life of Shirley Kyles — her early years, her career, her faith, and her journey with Al Green. You’ll see how she grew from a small-town girl into a brave woman who inspired many.
Shirley Kyles Quick Bio
| Full Name | Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Oregon, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian (Baptist) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Profession | Background Singer, Military Colonel, Advocate |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Al Green |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Husband | Al Green (1977–1983) |
| Children | Alva, Rubi, and Cora Green |
| Date of Death | July 17, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 74 years old |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
Early Life and Family Background
Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green was born on July 28, 1948, in Oregon, USA. She was raised in a loving Christian family. Her father, Larry Samuel Focht, was a Baptist preacher, and her mother, Astrid Eugenia Eleanora Focht, was a caring and spiritual woman.
When Shirley was still young, her family moved to Chicago. Growing up in a preacher’s home, she learned early about kindness, faith, and helping others. Church was a big part of her life. It was where she sang, learned discipline, and built her strong faith.
From an early age, Shirley showed a love for both music and service. These two things — her faith and her voice — would later guide her through life’s biggest moments.
Growing Up with Faith and Music
Faith and music shaped everything in Shirley Kyles’ world. She sang in church choirs, helped with community events, and often stayed close to her father’s ministry work.
Many people remember her as a woman with a warm smile and a gentle voice. She wasn’t looking for fame — she just wanted to make a difference through her songs and her actions.
As she grew older, Shirley’s love for gospel music deepened. She believed that music was one of the best ways to connect with God and help others feel comforted. That belief followed her throughout her life and played a major role in how she met Al Green later on.
Shirley Kyles’ Career and Achievements
Before her name became linked to a famous singer, Shirley Kyles had already built a strong and inspiring path of her own. She served in the military, where she showed courage, leadership, and discipline.
She didn’t just serve — she excelled. Shirley rose to the position of Colonel, proving her strength and determination. She earned respect for her bravery and hard work, inspiring many people around her.
Outside of her military life, Shirley also had a deep passion for music. She had a soft, soulful voice and loved to perform in church gatherings and local concerts. Her voice carried warmth and hope, and it was during one of these church-related performances that her life took a dramatic turn — she met Al Green.
How Shirley Kyles Met Al Green
It was 1976 when Shirley met Al Green in Memphis, Tennessee. The meeting happened on a Sunday at a Baptist church where she was singing. At that time, Al Green was already a big name in soul music, known for his songs like “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love and Happiness.”
But Al was also becoming more involved in his faith and ministry work. When he heard Shirley sing, he was moved by her voice and her strong spiritual presence. He soon invited her to join his music group as a background singer and to help with activities at his church — the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church.
They shared similar beliefs, and both loved gospel music deeply. This connection quickly grew into friendship, and then into something stronger. Their relationship began with shared prayers, songs, and moments of joy.
Marriage to Al Green
After about a year of knowing each other, Shirley Kyles and Al Green got married in June 1977. Their wedding was small and humble, held in a preacher’s living room. Shirley wore a simple white dress, and the ceremony lasted less than ten minutes.
At first, their marriage seemed full of promise. They traveled together, worked in the church, and shared their love of music. Shirley continued singing, often joining Al in performances and church events.
She was proud to support her husband’s career, but she also continued to build her own life. Many who met Shirley described her as calm, caring, and full of quiet strength. However, behind the smiles and songs, life at home was not as peaceful as it seemed. Their relationship soon began to face serious challenges that tested everything Shirley believed in.
The Struggles Behind the Marriage
Every marriage has ups and downs, but for Shirley Kyles, the challenges went far beyond normal problems. Not long after their wedding, signs of trouble began to appear.
Al Green’s temper and controlling behavior became a serious issue. Shirley later shared that she suffered physical and emotional abuse during their marriage. Despite the pain, she tried to hold the family together for the sake of their faith and children.
At one point, Shirley suffered a miscarriage early in her pregnancy, which left her heartbroken. She returned to Chicago to stay with her sister and recover, but Al convinced her to come back, promising to change. Like many women in her position, Shirley wanted to believe him — but the cycle of abuse continued.
Through it all, her strength never faded. She often prayed for courage and sought peace through her faith. Her story became one of quiet bravery — a woman who faced pain but refused to let it define her.
Shirley Kyles’ Divorce and New Beginning
By 1983, Shirley Kyles made one of the bravest decisions of her life — she filed for divorce from Al Green. This choice wasn’t easy. She had tried to leave before, in 1978 and again in 1981, but both times she returned.
She stayed because she hoped things would get better. She also stayed for her children. But deep down, she knew she deserved peace. After hearing the tragic story of Nicole Brown Simpson, Shirley realized she couldn’t wait for someone else to save her. She had to save herself.
In interviews, Shirley later said, “It’s not about him. It’s about how I came through it.” That simple sentence shows just how strong she was. Her story became a message of hope for other women in pain.
Shirley Kyles’ Children
Shirley Kyles was a loving and devoted mother. She had three daughters with Al Green — Alva, Rubi, and Cora Green. Each one has followed a different path, but they all share their mother’s strength.
Alva Green is a doctor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is respected in her field and often shares her thoughts on health and community issues on social media. Alva shows the same heart for helping others that Shirley had.
Rubi Green keeps her life more private. She uses social media but doesn’t share much about her work. Still, she’s proud of her family and often posts about her memories and thoughts.
Cora Green, the youngest, is a student studying Retail Management. She’s learning about customer service, store operations, and how businesses work. Like her sisters, she also stays out of the public spotlight.
Through all their different lives, Shirley’s daughters carry her legacy of faith, love, and strength.
Life After Divorce: Healing and Helping Others
After her divorce, Shirley Kyles focused on healing and rebuilding her life. But she didn’t stop there. She also wanted to help other women who were suffering in silence.
She went back to school and earned degrees in Christian Counseling and Theology from Trinity International University. She also studied Public Relations and Communications at the University of Memphis. This education helped her understand people better — and gave her the tools to make a real difference.
Shirley became a public speaker and advocate. She shared her story not to blame, but to help others. She talked to victims of abuse. She even spoke to abusers, helping them understand the pain they caused. Her goal was simple: to break the cycle and offer hope.
Shirley Kyles’ Later Years and Passing
In her later years, Shirley lived a peaceful and private life. She continued to support her community and speak about healing. She was known not just for what she went through, but for how she helped others rise above their pain.
Shirley passed away on July 17, 2023, in Mobile, Alabama. She was 74 years old. Her family, friends, and many people she helped were heartbroken, but they also felt proud. Shirley had lived a full life. She had fought hard, loved deeply, and made the world a little better.
Even though she is no longer here, her voice still speaks through the people she touched — especially her daughters and the women she helped find safety and hope.
Shirley Kyles’ Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Unlike many public figures, Shirley Kyles’ net worth was never shared publicly. And that’s okay — because her true worth was never about money.
Yes, her former husband Al Green is believed to have a net worth of about $25 million, thanks to his long music career. But Shirley’s legacy was built on service, not fame.
She gave her time, her voice, and her love to others. That is something you can’t measure in dollars. Her true value lives on in the hearts of those she helped.
What Made Shirley Kyles So Special
Shirley Kyles was special because she never gave up — even when life was painful. She showed the world that you can survive hard times and still choose kindness.
She had every reason to be bitter, but instead, she chose faith and forgiveness. She didn’t just leave a bad situation — she grew stronger and helped others along the way.
She wasn’t just Al Green’s ex-wife. She was a mother, a veteran, a singer, and a survivor. Shirley’s quiet strength reminded everyone that you don’t have to be famous to change lives.
Final Thoughts
The story of Shirley Kyles is one of pain, hope, healing, and purpose. Yes, she was married to a famous singer. But her real legacy was about how she fought for herself, raised strong children, and gave back to her community.
She lived her life with grace, even when things got hard. And she used her own journey to help others find the courage to speak up, walk away, and heal.
In 2025 and beyond, Shirley’s story is still powerful. It reminds us that real heroes often live quiet lives. But their stories — like hers — deserve to be told.
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