Shirley Deane Hancock

Shirley Deane Hancock passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90 on March 13, 2024. Shirley, born on November 28, 1933, was a woman of faith, integrity, and grace, but her greatest contribution was her commitment and love for her family.

Shirley’s love story with her husband, Porter, of 55 years, established the foundation for their family. Her role as wife and mama to her two girls, Diane and Debbie, was her greatest joy. Her family was everything, from big family dinners and playing dolls with the girls, to playing bridge until all hours of the night.

Porter and Shirley’s family continued to grow, and they became Mimi and Papa to three generations of grandkids. Mimi loved her babies, from rocking them every chance she got, to making their beloved crochet blankets. And she loved a clean baby! So many babies were bathed in Mimi’s kitchen sink. And they were always sad when they were told they were too big. And if she spoiled them a little too much, well she would be sure to let you know that she was allowed, saying, “I’ve paid my dues.”

In addition to being a wife, mother, sister, and Mimi, she dedicated over 20 years to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette before retiring in 1996. Even after retirement, she was always on the go, attending baseball games, taking trips to Florida, going on cruises, and even white-water river rafting for her 75th birthday.

Although Shirley was sure to tell you straight, she was also quick to act as the peacemaker whenever there was conflict. She loved her morning cup of coffee, a crossword puzzle, watching the Hogs play ball, but even her babies knew better than to try to share a Frosty with their Mimi.

Laughing until we cry, or crying until we laugh, from stories about "hold that tiger," loose pigs, or the "secret recipe" apple pie, reminiscing about eating Mimi’s roast, her chocolate gravy, or her birthday brown sugar pound cake has been incredibly special, and she would have loved every minute.

Shirley’s selflessness and strength will continue to be an example for us. Her spirit of perseverance, no matter the obstacle, her determination, toughness, and, of course, lots and lots of prayer, made Mimi our constant, our north star.

Mimi’s legacy of love will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Shirley is survived by her brother, Buddy Mullins; two daughters, Diane and Debbie; three granddaughters, Stephanie, Jennifer, Melanie and a grandson Brent; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Porter Hancock; her parents, B.A. Senior and Douglas Crenshaw Mullins; her sister, Priscilla Tims; two nephews; and a great-granddaughter.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117.