Shirley Hailey

Mrs. Shirley Hailey, 86, of Macon MS passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus, MS on January 23, 2025. A funeral service is planned for Friday, January 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Cockrell Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:45 until 2 p.m. Interment will be at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, Preston, MS. Memorials may be made to Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Jeanie Kilpatrick, 282 Wilson Ave., Dekalb, MS 39328. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements. 

Shirley Robertson Hailey was born on December 3, 1938, to the late Murdock McRae and Sula Wilson Robertson in Kemper County, MS. She was a graduate of Lynville High School. On March 23, 1956, she married the love of her life, Levi Hailey. They shared sixty-eight wonderful years together. Shirley worked several jobs over the years including Dr. L.B. Morris’ office, dietician at Noxubee General Hospital, Sears and Roebuck, and John Deere. She was most dedicated to her family. Her parents moved next door, and she cared for them. Shirley was more than just an aunt, she was a second mother to many. She once said, “we don’t have any children but feel like we have many”. Shirley helped raise brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and Godchildren. She generously opened her home to them, showering them with love and affection. Shirely was known to her family as being loving and dedicated. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed shopping. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, McRae Robertson and two sisters, Liz McBrayer, and Ann Beddingfield.

Those who are left to mourn Shirley’s passing are her husband, Levi Hailey, Sister, Dot Robertson Kitchens and her Godsons, Bo Tarlton (Brooke) and Thomas Tarlton. 

Active pallbearers will be Tommy Tarlton, Bo Tarlton, Jared Fairbanks,Josh Hailey, Brent Bishop, Steven Robertson.Brad Robertson, and Justin Robertson. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Robertson, Robby Robertson, Joel Robertson, Archie Fairbanks, David Hailey, Adam Hailey, Andy Abrams, Gene McBrayer, Paul Kitchens, and Perry Kitchens