Shirley Augustine Henson Hicks, 72

MILFORD - Shirley Augustine Henson Hicks, of Milford, departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at home. She was 72.

She was born Aug. 14, 1935, in Baltimore, to the late Sarah Henson and John Imes.

Shirley received her education in the Baltimore Public Schools and moved to Milford in 1951.

She worked at the Milford Memorial Hospital, now Bayhealth at Milford Memorial, for more than 20 years until she retired due to health in 1973.

Shirley married George "Pard" Stanley Hicks in 1959 and to their union they were blessed with six children.

She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and Club 13.

She was a faithful mother, grandmother, sister, family member and friend.

Shirley was a strong woman with a beautiful spirit and soul whose laughter and joy of life warmed the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

She was gracious, generous and loyal to her family and friends and even to strangers. Everyone who knew Shirley knew where to find her when "The Price is Right" was on, and just about every afternoon after the Bingo van had run. She also enjoyed playing cards.

Her laughter and smile will forever remain in hearts of all who knew.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Pard in 1993; her sister, Carrie Sauls in 1995; her grandson, Micah Davis in 1986; her beloved mother-in-law, Georgie Hicks in 2000; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Hicks.

Shirley leaves to cherish to her memory, three sons, three daughters and their spouses, Sharon Henson of Dover, George Stanley Hicks Jr. and wife Beverly of Magnolia, Cynthia Davis and husband George "Leo" of Dover, Brian Hicks and wife Ruth of Harrington, Darryl Hicks of Milford and Eva Cola and husband, Wayne of New Orleans; one sister and one brother, Willie Mae Henson and Richard "Sonny" Davis of Baltimore; seven grandchildren, O'Shell Cooper and husband Jermaine of Middletown, Phillip Hicks, Andre' Henson and Karena' Davis of Dover, Waneva and Shane Cola of New Orleans, Michael Hicks of Salisbury, Md.; six great-grandchildren; eight brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jesse Sauls of Houston, Joseph "Theo" Hicks and wife Angie of New Mexico, Thelma Hicks of Dover, Wellington "Buddy" Hicks of Lewes, Robert "Bobby" Hicks of Lincoln, and Shirley Riley and husband Harvey Sr. of Dover; beloved cousins, Delores Fort and Neil "Bud" Davis and wife Delores of Milford; a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, bingo buddies, hospital associates, Club 13 members and loving friends.

Services will be noon Saturday in St. Paul U. M. Church in Milford, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, send donations to Cynthia Davis and family, 227 Headstart Lane, Dover, DE 19901.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.