Wicks, Shirley's Obituary
Shirley was born on October 25, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 90, after a hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure.
Daughter to Leonard and Evelyn Ashley, Shirley’s early years were hard scrabble, but filled with joy. They shaped the traits that defined her, independence and resilience. Though she completed her formal schooling only through the eighth grade, at the age of 51, she earned her GED and furthered her education, obtaining certification as a teaching assistant-a testament to her determination and love for learning.
In 1952, Shirley married Ralph Alphonso, and together they welcomed daughters, Patricia and Rachel, and son, Ralph Anthony, who sadly died shortly after birth. Ralph passed away in 1975, and Shirley married Donald Wicks in 1977. They divorced in 1994. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Lynn Dunlap, her brother Eddie Ashley, her grandson Kyle McLain. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel (Ron), Rachel’s daughter, Jennifer (Nate), and Jennifer’s children, Robert, Daphne, and Max. She also leaves behind her daughter, Patricia (Tom), and Pat’s children, Ian and Laura.
After moving to Tennessee in 1994, Shirley had a career as a teaching assistant at Brighton Elementary until she retired at age 76. An active member of Gateway Baptist Church for 26 years, Shirley’s dedication to her faith was evident in her selfless service, particularly in caring for infants in the church nursery. Her warmth and nurturing spirit were a comfort to many young families, and her presence will be dearly missed.
Shirley found great joy in simple pleasures-tending to her home and yard with love and care and losing herself in the pages of a good book, especially the Good Book.
Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace. Her life, though touched by loss, was beautiful. She will be remembered always by her family, friends, and the countless lives she enhanced with her kindness. She is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Donations may be made in her memory to Gateway Baptist Church, Atoka, Tennessee, continuing her legacy of care and community.
Services for Mrs. Shirley will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 2:00pm at Gateway Baptist Church in Atoka, Tennessee. the family will receive family and friends for visitation an hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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