Shirley Hoover Biggers' Obituary
Shirley Hoover Biggers passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 27, 2024, surrounded by her three daughters. Though she will be greatly missed, her family is thankful she has a new body in heaven, with no more sickness or suffering.
Shirley was born in Fittstown, Oklahoma on April 24, 1936, to Ross and Cecil Hoover. She was a graduate of Deer Creek High School, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Memphis (M.Ed.).
Shirley is survived by her husband, Charles James Biggers; sister Anna Hoover Myers; daughter Lisa Biggers Pruett; son-in-law Mike Pruett; daughter Amy Biggers Trent; son-in-law Robert Trent; daughter Emily Ann Biggers; grandchildren Sarah VanderSteeg (Stephen), Christopher Pruett, Laura Lovelace (Spencer), Grace Mabe (Jim), Robert (Rob) Trent II, and Lucy Biggers; and great-grandchildren Garrison, Grace, Sawyer, Margaret, and Georgia; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Cecil Hoover; her grandson Luke Riddell Pruett; and six of her brothers and sisters: Gerald Wayne Hoover, Vanda Lee Hoover, Harold Ross Hoover, Linnie Hoover Howell, Larry Don Hoover, and infant sister Ramona Joyce Hoover.
Shirley had a beautiful smile, enjoyed conversation, came from a long line of storytellers, and knew all the dates and details. She was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and an author of two published books. At 88 1/2, she was still in the process of perfecting a trilogy of Christian novels that tell the story of faith and redemption.
Her career as an educator was an important part of her life and her love for American and English literature flowed through her conversations, evident to all.
Shirley married Charles James Biggers on August 24, 1958, in Lawton, Oklahoma. They moved around during the early years, but Memphis, Tennessee became their home beginning in the late 1960s. They raised three daughters together who witnessed a model of love and devotion in marriage between these two. They were always holding hands and complementing one another, a true team in everything. Shirley often quoted a former pastor, James W. Hatley, stating that “marriage is until one lays the other in the arms of Jesus.” She lived her marriage vows, and she admired, respected, and adored her husband, Charlie, for over 66 years. They took care of each other always and they had a lot of fun together whether it was traveling, watching University of Memphis college basketball, or just living life together, day by day.
Shirley and Charles’ grandchildren were a source of great joy to Shirley, and she enjoyed watching each of them grow and pursue their passions in life. Shirley often expressed how thankful she was that each of her daughters and grandchildren know and follow Jesus. In her last years, Shirley, along with Charles, were happy to become great grandparents to five great grandchildren.
Shirley’s brothers and sisters meant everything to her, and she loved them fiercely. She was proud of her Oklahoma roots. Her extended family includes many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.
Shirley always counseled those who confided in her to “walk in the light you are given for this day.” One of her favorite verses from the Bible was Psalm 126:3, which reads: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” She was constantly thankful, never one to complain, and always one to count her many blessings. May we seek to carry on her legacy by doing likewise.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Stephen Cook, pastor of Second Baptist Church, and the Germantown Plantation Senior Living Community.
Memorial donations may be made to Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38117.
10:00 a.m. Visitation
11:00 a.m. Service
Friday, Jan. 3
Second Baptist Church
4680 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38117
12:30 p.m. Graveside
Memorial Park Cemetery
5668 Poplar Avenue
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