Shirley Hedges

\ Shirley Haley Hedges, 68, of Nebo, KY, formerly of Madisonville, KY, passed away, December 27, 2014 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, KY. \ \ 'Mama Shirley,' as she was affectionately called by hundreds of Kentucky's children, was born April 2, 1946 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky to the late William Wallace Haley and Millie Colburn Haley. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Dean Meyers, and one brother, Bobby Haley. \ \ She attended Graham High School where she served as Senior Class President. She served as PTA President of West Broadway in the 1970's. On July 1, 1975, Shirley and her loving husband, Clifford O'Neal Hedges were approved as foster parents for Kentucky. During the past 39 years, they have loved and nurtured hundreds of children. Shirley served as a member of the Hopkins County School Board from 1984-1992. She was also the National Foster Parents Association President from 1994-1998, and founded the Kentucky Foster/Adoptive Parent Association in 1985. She was also a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. \ \ Shirley is survived by her husband of 48 years, Clifford Hedges of Nebo; daughters, Freda (Kirk) Conrad of Anton, KY, Rita Hedges of Owensboro, KY, Alice Wilson of California, Brittany Blalock of Madisonville, and Millie Hedges of Nebo; sons, Donnie Woodall of Madisonville, Anthony Williams of Graham, KY, Shaun Thurby of Madisonville, and Cory and Cody Hedges of Nebo; two sisters, Doshie Woodward of Nortonville and Joan (Bill) Inklebarger of Owensboro; one sister-in-law, Norma Haley of Madisonville; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. \ \ Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Bro. Neil Kolodey officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. \ \ Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 10:00 A.M. until the service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. \ \ Memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.