A Celebration of Life for Shirley Hicks Bowers Stephens, age 77, of Ruston will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston, LA. Officiating the service will be Dr. Reggie Bridges, Rev. Remington Talley, and Dr. John King under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 AM until service time at Temple Baptist Church Chapel.
Born on October 16, 1948, Shirley Hicks Bowers Stephens went to Heaven on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Mike Stephens; her biological parents, Emma and JC Hicks; her adoptive maternal grandparents, John and Allie Dumas Bowers; her paternal grandparents Clarence and Josie Hicks, her aunt, Alice Choate; and her brothers, JN and James Bowers.
Affectionately known as “Miss Shirley,” she and her twin sister, Sybil, graduated from Simsboro High School in 1966 after attending schools in Ruston. Throughout the parish, the two were lovingly known as “the Hicks Twins.” Growing up in the country, Shirley treasured the time she spent with her extended family, a love that remained an important part of her life.
Shirley spent her career as a bookkeeper, a job at which she excelled. She first retired from Jackie White Trucking after more than 20 years of service. She was then blessed to become part of the Temple Baptist Church family, serving as their Financial Secretary. Although Shirley attempted to retire from Temple several times, she always returned whenever she was needed or asked. She never earned a college degree, but she could keep and manage books as well as any accountant.
During her years at Temple, Shirley’s walk with Christ and her relationship with Him grew even stronger. Her Sunday School family brought her great joy, and she never missed an opportunity to enjoy a meal and fellowship with friends at the Wednesday night church supper.
Shirley was the kind of person who never asked for help but was always the first to offer it. She volunteered at the hospital in Ruston and spent many years assisting with voting at the polls throughout Lincoln Parish. Serving others was simply part of who she was. She found joy in giving her time and talents to her church, her community, and the people she loved.
Shirley enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Jean White. Whether they were shopping, playing cards, or sitting on the porch visiting, their time together was always special. In the evenings, she could often be found on the dock fishing with Sybil, each insisting that she had caught the bigger fish. Other days were filled with card games among friends and family. Shirley was an especially competitive card player and loved a little friendly competition.
Shirley also had a deep love for reading, a passion she passed down to her daughters and continued to share with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She instilled in them an appreciation for books, the joy of a good story, and the special adventures that can be found within the pages of a book. Her love of reading became more than just a hobby; it was a gift she shared with the generations that followed her, leaving a little piece of herself in each of them.
Some of the greatest joys of Shirley’s later years were the moments she shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved “going while she could” and making the most of her time with family and friends. That spirit continued until she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in June. Throughout her final months, family and friends continued to surround her with love, visits, and treasured moments together until her last days.
Shirley is survived by her sisters, Sybil VanWert of Ruston, Louisiana, and Jill Craig and her husband, Steve, of Ruston, Louisiana; and her brother, Jack Hicks and his wife, Judy, of Haughton, Louisiana.
She is also survived by her daughter, Joné Robinson of Gilmer, Texas; her grandchildren, Josie Talley and her husband, Remington, of Bandera, Texas; Connor Heflin of Gilmer, Texas; and her daughter Lana Robinson Patton and her husband, Jeff, of Ruston, Louisiana. Their children include Lexis Johnson and her husband, Tristan, of Choudrant, Louisiana, and their daughters, Harper and Hadley; Christopher Patton and his wife, Paige, of Ruston, Louisiana, and their twins, Matthew and Lorelai; Wayne Patton and his wife, Jessica, of Arcadia, Louisiana, and their children, Marley, Gage, and Dawson; and Josh Patton and his wife, Hillary, of New Iberia, Louisiana, and their sons, Roman and Everett. Shirley had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.
Shirley is also survived by her bonus children, Jay and Susan Stephens and their family, Michelle Stephens and her family, and Kelli Stephens and her family, all of Columbus, Georgia.
Even after Mike’s passing, Shirley continued to be loved and cherished as a sister by Gail Stephens Fowler, Ann and Bob DesRochers, and Gary Stephens, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Miss Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her love of family and friends, her willingness to serve, and her unmistakable competitive spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, faith, and service that will continue through the many lives she touched.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Kim Roberson and the Premier Hospice for the devoted attention and care that was shown to their loved one. The love and care that Miss Kim showed not only to the family but also Miss Shirley’s beloved dog Belle showed her servant’s heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church to support its Children’s, Music, or Missions Ministry, or to Buffalo Ranch Camp and Retreat in Clarksville, Texas. A woman of deep faith, she desired to see the love of Christ shared with others through these ministries.
Buffalo Ranch Camp and Retreat is a developing ministry dedicated to creating places and spaces for people to encounter their Creator through camps, retreats, discipleship, and Christ-centered community. Her granddaughter, Josie, and her husband, Remington Talley, will serve as directors of the camp staff. This ministry is a dream they have shared and prayed over together for many years, and they are now working toward building a place where children and adults can grow in faith, build lasting relationships, and encounter Christ for generations to come. Contributions will support the ongoing fundraising and development of the camp, helping bring this shared vision to life and carry her legacy of faith forward. That link follows:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/buffalo-ranch-camp-and-retreats
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
