Shirley Hickinbotham

Shirley Jean Hickinbotham, 79, of Tuscumbia, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born on December 18, 1941 in St. Clair, Missouri, to Arthur Cahill and Maudie Hawking. She grew up and attended school in St. Clair, and graduated with the high school class of 1957. Shortly after, she married her first husband, Roy Cox. Together they were blessed with five daughters: Janet, Sandy, Rhonda, Kim and Patricia. After the birth of their first daughter, Roy was stationed in California for some time, where he honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corp. They continued to grow their family and raise the girls between California and Missouri until Roy was honorably discharged.

After making their final move back to Missouri, Shirley went to work for some time as a sewer at a local factory, but she truly loved being a homemaker.

While raising their children, Shirley was always very involved in everything they did, including serving as their girl scout leader. Shirley enjoyed traveling and moving to various places in Missouri, Indiana and Michigan. Roy and Shirley were a match made in heaven. They enjoyed cooking, baking, and fishing. Together, they were amazing parents. Sadly, Roy passed away on July 14, 1980.

Shirley later married her second husband, Harry Hickinbotham, and together they shared 23 years of marriage. Harry’s employment sent him all over the United States and Shirley was always there to travel with him. Together they raised cattle, made ceramics together, and sold their crafts at flea markets. Harry even made Shirley her own ceramic table. Harry also preceded Shirley in death in 2003.

Shirley is survived by four of her daughters: Sandy Britton of Tuscumbia, Rhonda Britton of Tuscumbia Kim Hawkins and husband Wayne of Sullivan, MO, and Patty Brake of Tuscumbia, MO; ten grandchildren: Shane, Kala, Joey, Krissy, Derrick, Melissa, Jason, Patty, Richard and Lester; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; a host of great-great grandchildren; and many other friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy; her second husband, Harry; her daughter, Janet Johanning; a granddaughter, Dawn McCoy; her parents, Arthur and Maudie; and her grandparents, Charles and Bertha Cahill.

Graveside Services were 2 p.m., Monday, August 2, 2021 at Anaconda Cemetery in Stanton, MO.

Online condolences may be shared with Shirley’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.