Shirley H. Hingson

Born on March 20, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Ida Deckler, Shirley moved to Tampa, where she attended Plant High School. A proud majorette and graduate of the Class of 1955, Shirley radiated joy and spirit even in her youth. At just 11 years old, she met her childhood friend and future husband, Thomas Michael Hingson. They married on June 2, 1956, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 55 years, raising three beloved children together. Mike remained the love of her life until his passing, and she continued to honor their bond with every step she took.

Shirley began her career as a telephone operator for General Telephone (GTE) and later served Hillsborough County Schools as a kindergarten paraprofessional at Claywell Elementary for over 20 years. Her nurturing heart and deep faith in God shaped her calling to service—both in her home and in her community. Her unwavering devotion to the Lord remained constant through all of life’s trials, including her courageous journey as an amputee. Those who knew her well will remember Shirley for her unshakable tenacity, radiant optimism, and will to overcome every obstacle with grace.

Her legacy is one of resilience and generosity. Shirley became a beacon of hope and strength through her work with WestCoast Brace and Limb, volunteering in workshops to help students understand life as an amputee. Her passion and fearless spirit made her a symbol of empowerment and possibility—she was proud to serve as the face of an organization that mirrored her own mission: to redefine limits and break stigma.

But Shirley’s greatest role was that of a mother. She poured her boundless energy and love into her children’s lives, cheering them on at every ballet recital, track meet, orchestra performance, and sports tournaments and games. She was a fixture in classrooms, on sidelines, and in every moment that mattered. Her warmth extended to her community as well, with countless hours spent volunteering with the Salvation Army, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the ministries of St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ida and Walter Deckler; her cherished son, Thomas Michael Hingson III; and her husband, Thomas Michael Hingson Jr.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Valerie Knight (Rick) and Heather Hingson-Haines (Dani); her grandchildren Sydney and Emery, Melissa Knight (John Hoffman); great-grandchild Sawyer; and her sister, Lynn Stewart.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor on Wednesday, May 7th, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Family Center at St. Paul immediately following Mass. For those who wish to attend the graveside service, the Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery on East Lake Avenue at 1:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, and in true Shirley fashion, Shirley asks that guests consider bringing a new, cuddly teddy bear to be donated in her memory to the Tampa Rough Riders’ Teddy Bear Roundup, continuing her tradition of giving comfort and love to those in need.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians and specialists who walked with Shirley on her healthcare journey—especially Dr. Paul Armstrong (“her honey badger”), Dr. Hafeez Chatoor, Bridget Augustine, and Dr. Rick Knight, whose guidance was invaluable.

To all whose lives she touched—thank you for walking beside Shirley on this journey. May you be blessed by her memory and hold her close in your prayers until we all meet again.