Shirley Ann Wacasey Hankins

Shirley Ann Hankins, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on August 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 8, 1938, in East Mountain, Texas, Upshur County, she was one of thirteen children in the Wacasey family.

Shirley was an embodiment of a Godly Woman, dedicating her life to her faith, family, and community. After leaving East Mountain High School to support her family, she returned to education and proudly obtained her GED alongside her loving daughter at Leveretts Chapel High School. This tenacity was a testament to her strength and devotion to her family.On August 23, 1954, Shirley married her beloved husband, the late Mr. Bobby DeWayne Hankins. Their enduring love story spanned decades, and they were truly partners in life, sharing the joy of raising their six children together. This coming year, they will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary united in Heaven.

Shirley and Bobby spent over forty years attending the Gospel Light House Church in the Laird Hill Community, where they found a supportive and loving congregation. Throughout her life, Shirley’s commitment to serving others was evident in everything she did, whether in her home, at church, or through various community service endeavors. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives, leaving a lasting legacy in the Eastern Texas community.

She is survived by her six daughters: Janis Jordan and her husband Wayne Jordan of Kilgore, Texas; Carolyn Synaground and her husband Larry Synaground of Kilgore, Texas; Linda Holmes of Kilgore, Texas; Elizabeth Hankins of Turner Town, Texas; Theresa Smith and Kevin Smith of Coldspring, Texas; and Regina Earnest of Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Shirley's family continues to grow, and she will be lovingly remembered by her 18 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Kenneth Wacasey, Franklin Wacasey, and Alex Thomas Wacasey, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Bobby DeWayne Hankins, her mother Birdie Dee Black Wacasey, her father Alex Wacasey, and five brothers: Gene, John, Floyd, Sammy, and Curtis Wacasey. She also mourned the loss of three sisters: Billie Ruth Vanmeter, Doris Coldiron, Josephine Pritchett, and several grandsons and two sons-in-law.

A visitation will be held on August 27, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 401 N Martin St, Kilgore, Texas. A funeral service will be held the following day, August 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM, also at 401 N Martin St, Kilgore, Texas. Shirley Ann Hankins leaves behind a rich tapestry of love, faith, and community service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com