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Shirley Jean Hawkins Chesshir, 81, passed away October 14, 2025 in Beaver City, Nebraska. She was born October 1, 1944 in Stoddard County, Missouri to Ditman and Mary Hawkins.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Chesshir; her parents, Ditman V. Hawkins and Mary Kneezle Hawkins; sister, Linda K. Huckabee; son-in-law, Kevin S. Dirickson; and brother-in-law, Wendell P. Chesshir.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Dirickson of Texarkana, AR and Chrissy (Alvin) Tucker of Cambridge, NE; brother, Gary D. (Peggy) Hawkins of Lena, MS; sister-in-law, Mena Chesshir of North Little Rock, AR; brother-in-law, Don Huckabee of Huntsville, AL; granddaughters: Erin (David) Walker of Hooks, TX, Alyssa Tucker of Canton, OH, Alexis Tucker of Iowa City, IA, and Scotland Tucker of Cambridge, NE; great-grand-children, Trent and Kynleigh Walker of Hooks, TX; and many nieces, nephews and other family she loved.
Shirley began her working career as a cosmetologist. She later worked in retail, and most recently worked as a group home manager and teacher for Howard County Children’s Center in Nashville, Arkansas, from which she retired in 2010.
On December 27, 1978 she was united in marriage to Thomas Chesshir in Texarkana, TX. The couple lived in Texarkana, TX, various places in Arkansas and Demopolis, Alabama before eventually moving to Nashville, AR where they lived from 1996 to 2010. The Chesshir’s called Texarkana home from 2010-2020 and made their final move to Cambridge, NE in September of 2020.
Shirley was known for her beautiful smile and kindness to everyone she encountered. She loved her family dearly.
Cremation was chosen and a celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Blue Bayou church of Christ located at 147 Blue Bayou Rd W, in Nashville, Arkansas.
Shirley was given great care in the last two years of her life by the staff of Beaver City Manor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beaver City Manor, 905 Floyd St, Beaver City, NE 68926; the McCook Church of Christ, 711 E G St McCook, NE 69001; or the Center Point Cemetery, 157 Madison St. Nashville, AR 71852. Online Condolences can be left at lockenour.com. Lockneour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
604 Penn St, Cambridge, NE 69022
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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