Shirley Hixenbaugh

Shirley Anne Gillmer Hixenbaugh, age 68, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away January 27, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Magnolia Chapel North in Northport, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ora Lee Gillmer and Pearl Elliot Gillmer; and her sister, Jeanne Class.

Survivors include her sons, Gary Hixenbaugh, Dan Hixenbaugh of Missouri, and Jason Hixenbaugh of Georgia; and honorary daughter, Carol Lake; sisters, Jayne Gillmer of New York and Amy Peterson of New York; brothers, David Gillmer of Calif., Dale Gillmer of Ark., and Michael Gillmer of New York; honorary grandchildren, Alex Baier Jackson and Anna Lake; honorary great-grandchild, Paisleigh Baier; and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was born August 5, 1956 in Tonawanda, NY. She went to Tonawanda High School, obtained her GED, then attended Alfred State in New York, and later SUNY Erie in Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa as an LPN. She joined the Army in 1991 where she served for over 25 years. She retired at the age of 60 as a Staff Sergeant, but she would have served till her last breath if she had been able. She worked many many years for the Tuscaloosa Animal Shelter, adopting many animals that needed a chance. She loved and cared for them all. She worked at Averette Animal Clinic till her health insisted she retire. Shirley was kindhearted and smart with a witty personality. She will be remembered most for her love of animals. She truly was "the cat lady." She never met a stray.

Shirley's warm smile and infectious laugh will be truly missed by her friends and family. She was a generous, caring, and giving person.

Honorary pallbearers are friend and caregiver, Tina Watkins, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, friends at The Legacy Assisted Living Facility, Army Reserves Unti 75 Combat Support Hospital, 5th Medical Brigade, Dr. Ranju Chandrashekariah (Shekar), and VA nurse Lisa Morris.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the animal organization of your choice.