Shirley Marie Hale

In Loving Memory of Shirley Marie Hale

August 23, 1942 – December 14, 2025

Shirley Marie Hale transitioned peacefully on December 14, 2025. She was born on August 23, 1942, in the small town of Cayce, Mississippi, to Henrietta Stinson and Clifton Hale, Sr. One of five children, Shirley was raised with strong values that shaped the woman she became. She was steady, independent, and deeply rooted in family.

At a very young age, Shirley moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois, where she would spend the remainder of her life in the Morgan Park community. She attended John D. Shoop Elementary School and later graduated from Morgan Park High School. Shirley built a life rooted in consistency, independence, and close family ties. While Chicago became her home, her heart always remained connected to Mississippi, and she cherished returning for family visits and reunions whenever she could.

Later in life, Shirley attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she found a sense of community and comfort. Though she was not outwardly expressive about her faith, it was reflected in the way she lived through kindness, strength, and quiet devotion.

Shirley was known for being direct and honest. She did not sugarcoat things, but she was dependable, loyal, and always there when someone truly needed her. She kept her circle small, but those within it knew they were deeply loved and protected.

Her home was her safe place. It was where she felt most at ease and where others always felt welcome. She showed her love through cooking and baking, through shared meals and familiar routines. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, listening to her favorite oldies, and spending evenings watching America’s Got Talent, often offering her own candid commentary.

In her later years, Shirley found peace in quiet moments and meaningful conversations. She especially treasured phone calls and time spent with those closest to her, including her sister-in-law and closest friend, Evaland, her favorite cousin Thomas, and her grandson, Tierre. Those moments brought her comfort, laughter, and connection.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton Hale, Sr. and Henrietta Stinson Hale; and her brothers, James Hale, Versey Hale, McKinley “Mac” Hale, and Clifton Hale, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Wanda Hale; her grandsons, Tierre Hale, Tristan Hale, and Tylan Hale; her great-grandchildren, Tia-Siemone Hale and Tristan Hale; her sister, Sharon Cunnigan-Wilson; nieces Candice “Pooh” White, Ansonya Hale, Rachael (Gerry) Williams, and Breanna Cunnigan; nephews Louis Hale and James Hale; along with many cousins, extended family members, and loved ones who will carry her memory forward.

Shirley will be remembered for her strength, her honesty, and the tough, steady way she loved. She lived life on her own terms and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and devotion that will never be forgotten.