Shirley “Bernice” Hicks Estes
Ozark- Shirley B. Hicks Estes, 95, finished her service here on earth and began her new life in Heaven, reunited with family, on Thursday, January 18, 2024. She was born on April 28, 1928, in Itawamba Co. MS to the late Robert Ratliff and Ada Lee Shockley Hicks. Graduating from Fulton High School, in 1947 and marrying the love of her life, Charles W. Estes the same year.
A woman of great work ethic, “Bernice” worked many years in the garment industry in North, MS and Kenosha, Wisc. retiring from Super Sagless in Tupelo, MS. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A friend to everyone she met, her witty personality made her easy to love and laugh with.
A member of Calvary Baptist Church, Marietta, her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, always sustained her through hard times. She always cherished time with family.
She enjoyed listening to gospel music and working word search puzzles- her “homework” she called it.
She is survived by two daughters, Janis Hale of Baldwyn and Judy Hicks (Burl) of Smithville; sister, Faye Beck (Clyde) of Mantachie; grandchildren, Michael Hale, Tasha Murrell, Jason Hicks, Julie Williams (Greg), Kristi Sykes (Kenneth), Courtney Kennedy (Davis), Amanda Strange (Zack), Tiffany Grooms (Corey); great-grandchildren, Corey Timmons, Caleb Murrell, Cole Williams (Madilyn), Callie Powell (Jack), Taylor and Justin Sykes (Cheyanne), Landon and Brayden Roberts, Annalee, Addy and Jaxon Kennedy, Ayden and Jensen Grooms, Jacksen and Adleigh Strange; a host of nieces and nephews.
In Addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Estes; one daughter, Jackie Moore; two sons-in-law, Bobby Moore and Roger Hale; three sisters, Lydle, Lura and Mildred Hicks; and five brothers, Ruble, James (Fran), Robert, Milburn (Ophelia), and Delbert Hicks (Peggy).
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 @ 2:00 p. m. at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn, MS. with Bro. Wayne Bridges officiating.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ozark Cemetery (in Ozark community).
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @www.watersfuneralservice.com
