Who Was Shirley Kyles?
She was a retired military colonel, background singer, and domestic violence advocate. Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green, born July 28, 1948, in Oregon, became widely recognized as the ex-wife of soul legend Al Green. She passed away on July 17, 2023, at age 74 in Mobile, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond her famous marriage.
Her story represents courage, service, and the strength to rebuild after hardship. While many know her through Al Green’s fame, her individual accomplishments in military service, music, and community advocacy stand on their own merit.
Quick Facts About Shirley Kyles
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Anne Watts Kyles Green |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Oregon, USA |
| Death Date | July 17, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 74 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christian (Baptist) |
| Profession | Retired Colonel, Background Singer, Advocate |
| Famous For | Al Green’s ex-wife, Military service |
| Marriage Duration | 1977-1983 (6 years) |
| Children | Alva Green, Rubi Green, Cora Green |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Background
Shirley grew up in Chicago after being born in Oregon to Larry Samuel Focht, a Baptist preacher, and his wife Astrid Eugenia Eleanora Focht. Her father’s role in the church shaped her values from childhood—faith, discipline, and community service became her guiding principles.
Growing up in a religious household during the 1950s and 1960s wasn’t easy, but it prepared her for the challenges ahead. Her family emphasized hard work and loyalty, traits that would define her entire life. The Baptist tradition she learned as a child stayed with her through every triumph and trial.
Chicago’s tight-knit community gave her a sense of belonging. She attended local schools and participated in church activities, where she first discovered her love for gospel music. These early years laid the foundation for everything that followed—her military career, her music involvement, and her advocacy work.
Military Service and Leadership
Shirley’s military career stands as one of her greatest achievements. She joined the military after completing her education and eventually rose to the rank of Colonel. This accomplishment was particularly significant for an African American woman in a male-dominated field.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Public Administration in Health Services Administration, and a Master of Business Administration, and she graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. Her educational credentials matched her ambition and drive.
As a Colonel, she displayed leadership that earned respect from her peers and subordinates alike. Her military service demonstrated resilience in facing challenges that many would find overwhelming. Her professional roles included Corporate Communications Manager, Healthcare Administrator, Chief Nurse, Surgery, Task Force Commander, and Executive Officer.
Her tenure in the armed forces broke barriers for women and minorities. She served with honor and dedication, embodying the values of duty and service to country. Her military experience also gave her the strength she’d later need to overcome personal struggles.
How Did Shirley Meet Al Green?
Their paths crossed in 1976 at a Baptist church in Memphis on a Sunday. The meeting seemed destined—both shared a deep commitment to faith and gospel music.
She had opened two of his concerts before but they never met until that Sunday at church. Al Green was rising through the ranks as an artist known for his romantic ballads and gospel influences. The connection between them was immediate.
At Al’s request, she joined his musical group as a background singer and became heavily involved in his church, Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. Their shared interests in music and the church brought them closer together. They spent time touring the country, doing ministry work, and building a relationship based on common values.
In June 1977, they decided to get married after dating for about a year in a brief ceremony that lasted only 10 minutes in a preacher’s living room in the southern United States. She wore a simple white cotton dress, reflecting their humble beginnings and shared faith.
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Marriage to Al Green: The Challenges
Their marriage started with promise but quickly became difficult. She first filed for divorce in 1978 on the ground of cruelty and irreconcilable differences. The pressures of fame, touring, and Al’s lifestyle created tension in their relationship.
She filed again in 1981, charging that Green had subjected her to domestic violence throughout their marriage. In a sworn deposition in 1982, she testified that in 1978 while she was five months pregnant, Green beat her with a boot for refusing to have sex, and the assault resulted in head wounds, one of which required stitches.
According to her testimony, they separated several times when the beatings became “too frequent and too severe”. She tried to leave twice, in 1978 and 1981, but went back to him because of her children and her fear of what people would think about her.
Their divorce was finalized in February 1983, and Green agreed to pay her $432,800 in alimony and child support. The six-year marriage had tested her strength in ways she never imagined.
Who Is Al Green?
Al Green, born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor and record producer. He is best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including “Tired of Being Alone” (1971), “I’m Still in Love with You” (1972), “Love and Happiness” (1973), “Take Me to the River” (1974), and his signature song, “Let’s Stay Together” (1972).
Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and has been referred to as “one of the most gifted purveyors of soul music” and “The Last of the Great Soul Singers”. He is the winner of 11 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Al Green has a net worth of $25 million, earned through his popularity during his music career. After a spiritual awakening in the mid-1970s, he became an ordained pastor and shifted his focus to gospel music while continuing to serve his Memphis congregation.
Their Three Daughters
The marriage produced three daughters who each carved their own successful paths:
Alva Green
Alva pursued a medical career, becoming a respected physician at the prestigious UT Southwestern Medical Center. She followed her mother’s example of service and dedication to helping others. Her commitment to healthcare showcases the values Shirley instilled in her children.
Rubi Green
Rubi found her voice in the digital space. She actively uses social media platforms like Twitter to share her views on social issues and connect with audiences. Her online presence reflects a modern approach to advocacy and communication.
Cora Green
The youngest daughter, Cora, studies at the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management, exploring a future in retail management. Her pursuit of education echoes the foundation of hard work her mother established.
All three daughters reflect different aspects of their mother’s strength, intelligence, and commitment to making a difference in the world.
Life After Divorce: Finding Her Voice
Following the divorce, she began focusing on personal growth and empowerment through education in Christian counseling and theology. These studies allowed her to help others navigate their relationships and heal from trauma.
With a public relations and communications degree, she poured her energy into various community initiatives, advocating for abuse victims. In 1995, the story of Nicole Brown Simpson inspired her to go public with the abuse she endured in order to help other victims.
Her willingness to share her story illuminated the importance of personal strength and seeking help. This advocacy work emphasized the need for awareness and resources to combat domestic violence. She encouraged many to reach out for support by speaking openly about her experiences.
Her story became a beacon of hope for women facing similar struggles. She used her platform to raise awareness about domestic abuse, breaking the silence that often surrounds these issues. Her courage to speak out helped countless women find their own strength to leave abusive situations.
Professional Achievements Beyond Music
Beyond her role as a background singer, Shirley had an impressive professional portfolio. She served in nearly every leadership role within Toastmasters and worked as a Senior Training Consultant in Organization Development.
Her diverse career spanned healthcare administration, military leadership, public relations, and community service. Each role demonstrated her versatility and commitment to excellence. She wasn’t content with just one path—she excelled in multiple fields throughout her life.
Her work in Christian counseling and theology came from a genuine desire to help others avoid the pain she’d experienced. She combined her faith with practical knowledge to provide meaningful support to those in need.
Shirley Kyles Net Worth
Her exact net worth at the time of her death remains undisclosed. Unlike her famous ex-husband, she kept her financial details private, choosing to maintain certain aspects of her life away from public scrutiny.
Her wealth came from various sources—military retirement benefits, her work in healthcare administration, community service roles, and the divorce settlement from Al Green. While specific numbers aren’t available, her financial stability allowed her to focus on advocacy work and raising her daughters.
Her value, however, can’t be measured in dollars. Her contributions to her community, her service to her country, and her advocacy for abuse victims represent a different kind of wealth—one that continues to impact lives even after her passing.
Legacy and Impact
Her life was filled with achievements encompassing military service, medical contributions, musical talent, and strong family values. While often remembered as Al Green’s ex-wife, her legacy truly lies in her strength and resilience throughout a challenging life.
She demonstrated that you can rebuild after trauma. Her story shows that abuse survivors can not only heal but also use their experiences to help others. She transformed her pain into purpose, becoming an advocate for those who couldn’t yet find their own voices.
Her military service broke ground for other African American women in the armed forces. Her advocacy work continues through the organizations she supported and the women she encouraged to leave abusive situations. Her daughters carry forward her values of service, education, and dedication.
Her story stands as a testament to the strength and independence of women facing adversity, reflecting the possibility of recovery and empowerment. Her journey offers valuable insights into the resilience required to overcome challenges and the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Shirley Kyles die?
Shirley Kyles passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 74, in Mobile, Alabama. Her passing marked the end of a life filled with service, advocacy, and family dedication.
2. How long were Shirley Kyles and Al Green married?
They were married from June 1977 until their divorce was finalized in February 1983, making their marriage last approximately six years. She filed for divorce twice before the final separation.
3. How many children did Shirley Kyles have with Al Green?
They had three daughters together: Alva Lei Green, Rubi Renee Green, and Kora Kishé Green. Each daughter pursued different career paths, reflecting the diverse talents and values their mother instilled in them.
4. What was Shirley Kyles’ profession?
She had multiple professional roles throughout her life. Her career spanned various fields, including music, military service (rising to Colonel), medicine, and logistics. She also worked in healthcare administration and community advocacy.
5. Why did Shirley Kyles divorce Al Green?
She filed for divorce citing cruelty, irreconcilable differences, and domestic violence throughout their marriage. In 1995, she was inspired by Nicole Brown Simpson’s story to go public with the abuse she endured in order to help other victims.
Final Thoughts
Shirley Kyles’ story goes beyond her marriage to a famous singer. She was a woman who served her country with distinction, raised three successful daughters, and found the courage to speak out about domestic violence. Her journey from abuse survivor to advocate shows the power of resilience and faith.
She never let her past define her future. Instead, she used her experiences to help others facing similar struggles. Her legacy lives on through her daughters, the women she helped escape abusive situations, and the barriers she broke in the military.
Her life reminds us that strength comes in many forms—through service, through advocacy, through simply refusing to give up. Shirley Kyles may have been known as Al Green’s ex-wife, but her own accomplishments and courage deserve recognition and respect.
