Shirley Mackey

Shirley Carolyn Mackey was born on Thursday, October 24, 1940 to the late William C. Andrews and Maltilda R. Andrews. She departed this life on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 73. Shirley received her early education at George Washington Carver School in Frankford, Delaware, and later attended William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown. After high school, she started her work career at Cargill. She later relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked at General Motors for several years. Then she returned to Delaware and worked for the State of Delaware. She met and married William Henry Mackey. Shirley and Henry were married for 42 years and together they raised their five children. Shirley enjoyed family gatherings, taking mini vacations with her children, giving back to the community and taking care of any and everyone that she came in contact with. She became a foster provider in 2002 for her amazing Gracie that became her special friend, sister and many actions of a mother. Shirley was baptized and became a member of St. John 2nd Baptist Church under the leadership of her awesome Pastor Annie J. Custis and was also a member of the St. John Senior Usher Board. Shirley was a very lovable, kind-hearted family woman. She loved cooking, riding, shopping, going to yard sales and ACTs with her girls. Holidays were her favorite. She enjoyed decorating and having all her grandchildren come over but would dare them to touch anything. Although she battled an illness, she refused to give up until God said “Come home my child, suffer no more.” Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maltilda Andrews; five brothers; one son, Gene Midgette and one grandchild, Ty’Ree Bowden. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, William Henry Mackey of Millsboro, DE; one son, Brian (Amy) Andrews of Dover, DE; two daughters, Tina Midgette of Millsboro, DE; Glenda (Troy) Bowden of Georgetown, DE, one stepson, Greg Williams of Wilmington, DE; one daughter-in-law, Audrey Midgette of Seaford, DE;14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and five Godchildren; one brother, Joseph (Rebecca) Andrews of Seaford, DE; one sister, Charlotte Bagby of Philadelphia, PA; two brothers-in-law, Gilbert Mackey of Millsboro, DE; and Cleveland Sample of Baltimore, MD; two sisters-in-law, Grace Andrews of Frankford, DE; and Hannah Mackey of North Carolina; lifelong of special friends, Florine Waters, Mable Jenkins, Georgia Mae Kelley and Yvonne Bowden; two adopted children Paula Gibbs and Donnie, aka, Pete Gibbs and her special devoted friend, her Pastor, Annie J. Custis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Mackey, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Shirley Mackey

October 24, 1940 - August 26, 2014