Shirley Littlepage

Shirley Jean (Hightower) Littlepage, 86, of Henderson, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 3. She was a loving and generous daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her many loved ones.

Shirley was born to Pinkie Lee and Thelma (Fraces) Hightower in Elkton, Kentucky on May 24, 1936. They were sharecroppers of tobacco, and she spent her childhood learning the value of hard work on their rural farm. She looked up to her older sister, Bernice, and kept busy with school, and tending to her numerous chores and animals.

After moving to Henderson in 1960, she met and married her first love, Ollie James Redding. They lived a happy life, welcoming their daughter, Ramona in 1960. Sadly, Ollie died suddenly in 1965.

Shortly thereafter, she met and married her second love, Welby Lee “Doodle” Littlepage of Corydon, Kentucky. They welcomed their son, Allen, in 1966. Their country life, surrounded by Doodle’s large family, provided an ideal upbringing for her children, and setting for her work as a dutiful homemaker. Tragically, Doodle died unexpectedly in 1980, after 15 wonderful years of marriage.

Shirley summoned her hard-working roots to provide for her family. She was most proud of her career as an assistant with St. Anthony’s Hospice, where she cherished her role, helping patients nearing the end of life. She was a lifelong Christian, and member of Henderson General Baptist Church.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, her sister, Bernice “Busy” (Hightower) Cole, and her infant daughters, Susan and Rose Marie.

She is survived by her children, Ramona (Redding) Yates and Allen Littlepage (Denise); her grandchildren, Tommy Yates (Kris), Andy Yates (Eric Johnson), John Sweat (Ruth), Alex Sweat (Pepperdee) Amanda Sweat , Tadbrisha Clark (Tevin) and 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, October 7, 2022, at Tomblinson Funeral Home Henderson Chapel with Pastor Chad Hensley officiating.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM-8:00 PM, Thursday and 9:00-11:00 AM, Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Gathering Place.