Shirley Elaine Blevins

August 22, 1947 – August 6, 2023

Cincinnati, Ohio

CINCINNATI, OH – Shirley Elaine (nee Hess) Blevins passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023 at home surrounded by family and friends.  Shirley was married to our step-father, Alfred Alexander Blevins, Jr. in 1998, who preceded her in death in 2005.  Devoted mother of Tammy Hoffman Sparks, Bobby Hoffman, Susan (Don) Murdock, and Elizabeth (Gene) Saylor.  Loving Nana to James Barnett, Jeremy (Sarah) Murdock, Kirstian Saylor, Kyle Murdock, Kevin (Desiree) Best, Emily (Zac) Waddell, Connie (Anthony) Justice, Zachary Sparks, Justin Saylor, Savannah Sparks, and Nathan Saylor.  Blessed great-grandmother of Liliana, Addyson, Hayden, Axton, Mackenzie, Mackayden, Neveah, Nikoah, and Jakia. Dear sister of Sharon (Ray) Turner and Stephen (Norma) Hess, and sister-in-law of Michael (Faye), Diane, and Gary (Jona) Blevins. Cherished friend of Mary Meeks Niebel, who has been part of our family most of our life.  Loved by many nieces and nephews.  Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents, Levi & Mary (nee Tilton) Hess, and her brothers, Arnold, Mark and Darrell Hess. She was 75.

Shirley attended Woodward High School (graduating class of 1966).  She worked in the restaurant business most of her career as a waitress, where she was loved by her customers for always going above and beyond to ensure their dining experience was the best.  Her greatest joy, however, was being a stay-at-home mom taking care of her young family.  Shirley loved to sew, and enjoyed making baby clothes and blankets for new moms.  One year for Christmas she made blankets for all her grandchildren, personalizing them by stitching their names into each blanket, which are still cherished today.  She was a hard worker, frequently working two or more jobs supporting her family as a single mom for many years. Shirley was beautiful inside and out.  She was selfless, compassionate, kind, and giving to a fault.  She always made sure her children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors had Christmas and birthday gifts, and always made sure those less fortunate had a good meal.  She had a great sense of humor and was quick-witted.  She loved camping and spending time in nature. She most loved her Kentucky home in Jamestown, her Oasis.  She was greatly loved by everyone who knew her.

All are welcome to celebrate her life with her family and friends.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 6-8pm, and funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 beginning at 11am.  Both the visitation and funeral services will be held at Gospel Assembly Church, 12055 Pippin Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231.  Christian burial will follow in Crown Hill Memorial Park.