Shirley T Aikens, of Maple Hill, passed away March 19th 2023. Third of eight children, she was born August 11th 1936. She married David Aikens November 19th 1954. They had three wonderful children. A military spouse, she was by his side 57 years, as he traveled the world. When their time in the military came to an end they settled here in her hometown.

Her memory was phenomenal and she had the gift of gab. If you asked her about her family, she could tell you several generations of who they were, who they married, and how many children they have. She was the same with politics. But you always knew where she stood.

She was preceded in death by her husband David Aikens; her daughter Donna Aikens Lee; her parents Reuben and Hannah Bell silence; her brothers George, Jimmy and Alton silence.

She is survived by her sons David & Chris Aikens; her grandchildren Janie & Tyrel Lee; her great-grandchildren Hunter & Natalie Lee; and her brothers Ervin, Troy, Kenneth & Gary Silence. She also leaver her family of the heart Denise Stone, Heather Finley & NovaLee Finley.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, 2023 from 5 - 8 pm in the Johnson Funeral Home, 2685 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville. Funeral services will be held Friday at 12 noon in the Johnson Funeral Chapel followed by interment in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on our website.

Share condolences to the family by visiting our website, www.johnsonfhnc.com. Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Aikens family during this difficult time.