Shirley Givens

Shirley Louise Simmons Givens, age 75, of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, passed from this earth and entered the open arms of Jesus on October 11, 2024. Born on September 30, 1949, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest Elwood Simmons, Sr., and Margaret Speese Simmons.
Shirley was a light in this world, and she was cherished by her family, friends, and church community. Shirley loved volunteering at church and was deeply devoted to her church family. It has often been commented by others that she truly had the gift of intercessory prayer, and her prayers for others often got them through some of their darkest hours. Although she never had children of her own, she was a mother to so many, always providing care and support to those around her.
Shirley had the voice of an angel, often moving others to tears when she sang in church. Her voice was a gift she shared freely, filling the hearts of all who heard her with peace and joy. In addition to her beautiful singing, Shirley was known for her radiant and infectious laugh, one that could light up a room and make everyone around her feel joyful. Her laughter was like no other-pure, uplifting, and full of life.
Shirley was known for her famous chocolate pie and her bread and butter pickles, which were a favorite of so many. Shirley also had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved fur babies-Star, Greta, Darla, Mattie and a host of others.
Shirley proudly worked at the Copiah County Sheriff's Department and later retired as an investigator for the State of Mississippi. She took great pride in her work and, during her time at the Sheriff's office, developed close personal relationships with her co-workers, whom she cherished like family.
She is survived by her nieces, Angie Simmons Miles of Brandon, Mississippi; Michelle Simmons Carpenter of Houston, Texas; Heather Grippando of Pearl, Mississippi, and her nephew, Joseph Mitchell of Nashville, Tennessee. Her legacy continues with her great-niece Ashley Miles Moore and great-nephews Christopher Carpenter and Garrett Parker.
She leaves behind her very special friends, John Paul and Cindy Martin, along with their daughters, Christy and Courtney, who were like family to her and that she truly loved and adored. She also leaves behind her neighbor and best friend, Tammy Stowe, who was her partner in crime. Shirley often commented that Tammy was the sister she never had.
She is also preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Givens, her brother, Ernest Simmons, Jr., and her sister-in-law, Mary Simmons.
A service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Stringer Funeral Home in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Bro. Webb Armstrong.
Watch service here: https://youtube.com/live/2VqyDcRgU-E?feature=share