A Time To Be Born - Shirley Dean Hicks, the daughter of the late Gurtha Ward and the late Mckinley Williams, began her earthly journey on April 3, 1942 in Duplin County. She was raised by her mother and her step-father, Leonard Ward, who also preceded her in death.



A Time To Love - Shirley was married to Glasco Hicks in 1960 and this union was blessed with five children. Following the death of her husband, Shirley met John "Bob" Faison and a relationship bloomed resulting in the birth of three children.



A Time To Live - Shirley attended P.W. Moore School in Faison, NC. She was a woman of faith and held strong to her Christian beliefs, which she instilled in her children and all those around her. Shirley was a perfect example of motherhood. She loved all of her children dearly, and knew each of their personalities well. She made many sacrifices as she raised them and always made sure every need was met. Shirley was a caring sister. She enjoyed spending time with her dear sister, Hilda Jean. They were considered "two peas in a pod" by many. Shirley was very compassionate and truly believed in helping others. She often provided a place to eat, a place to sleep, or a place to talk to those in need. She never turned anyone away from her dinner table or her home. Shirley had a special love for people and had a way of making a connection with everyone she met. She certainly didn't meet any strangers! She loved to talk and reminisce about old times. One of her favorite things to do was to shop at yard sales. She liked finding those good deals and sharing them with others.



A Time To Serve - She joined church at an early age. Later in life, she became a member of St. Stephens AME Zion Church in Warsaw under the leadership of Pastor Charlie McDowell. She was a member of the senior choir, the stewardess board, and the kitchen committee. Recently, she joined St. Peter AME Church in Warsaw, where Reverend Charles Corbett is the Pastor.



A Time To Rest - Shirley's earthly journey came to an end early on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, NC. She heard the call of the Lord, took his hand, and entered into eternal rest.



A Time To Remember - She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters, Sharon (Cleo) Henry, Carolyn (Earl) Bright, and Natausha Hicks, all of Warsaw; five sons, Glasco Hicks, Ricky Hicks, Vester Hicks, Michael Hicks, Robert (Ieshua) Hicks, and a special grandson, Isaiah Bright, whom she raised as her son, all of Warsaw; two sisters, Hilda Ward of Warsaw and Annie Ward of Goldsboro; thirteen grandchildren, Shante', Monica, Jessica, Cleo Jr., Jasmine, Christopher, Jadallas, Robert, Quandesha, Jeremiah, Destiny, and Jonathan; eight great-grandchildren; two aunts, Hazel Graham and Bernice Williams of Warsaw; one uncle, R.J. Williams of Warsaw; five sister-n-laws; one brother-n-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.