Obituary - Shirley Sue Bingham

Shirley Sue Bingham, age 87, of Flat Lick, Kentucky, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025.  Please find here Shirley's obituary:

Shirley Sue Bingham was born to Mary and Reid Brewer on September 17, 1937. The Brewer home in Stinking Creek was a happy one. Shirley had one baby brother, William Reid, who she nicknamed, Buddy, because he was her little buddy. Church was a cornerstone of Shirley’s life, and it was at church where she met her beloved, Frank Bingham. “It all started with Church,” said Frank. “When I saw Shirley, it was love at first sight. We went looking for a Christmas tree on our first date. We didn’t find a tree, but I found a jewel and the love of my life.” Shirley married Frank Bingham on May 24 of 1957. They were joyously wedded for 68 years. Their marriage produced three sons: Kim, Scott and Brent. 

Shirley’s effervescent and kind persona radiated brightly. With her beauty, her style, her laugh and her smile, Shirley captivated any audience or community that she was a part of. Shirley was a positive person who uplifted those who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. When asked about Frank’s remembrances of Shirley as a young woman and mother and grandmother, Frank replied: “She was like a spring flower, as a young woman – She just loved the babies – they became her whole world.” One of her great joys with the grands, was letting them take over her kitchen, making anything they wanted – edible or not. Now that is true love! The only rule was that Frank had to taste any concoction the children came up with!

Many patrons of Bingham’s Tire will remember Shirley greeting them in the store. Frank recalled taking the salespersons and district managers when they dropped by to check on the store, home to dine on Shirley’s famous biscuits and gravy and country ham. Shirley took care of them, so they would take care of us. She grew Bingham Tire, one breakfast at a time. 

Shirely developed many interests that kept her busy. She enjoyed attending NASCAR Races and spending quite afternoons and weekends at the lake. She loved flowers, and her Red Hat Club. Shirley was a member of the First Baptist Church, Pineville, where she sang in the choir. 

Shirley was an avid volunteer, whether it be, making 100 choir robes or making sure the track team could eat their weight in peanut butter crackers during their meets, Shirley’s hand was always the first one up, ready to give her time and energy to help out and to help others. She could often be found at the Barbourville Senior Citizens Center, having lunch with and playing the piano for those who frequented the facility. She also was a gracious hostess who found great joy in giving to others in the form of the lovely parties she arranged for family and friends. She was especially fond of Halloween, where she forged a tradition of dressing up as a witch to delight children and adults alike who trick or treated at her home. 

This proverb speaks to the wisdom in one's speech and using kindness when imparting knowledge or guidance to others. Shirley spoke informed by wisdom and discernment; and her speech was a reflection of her kindness, which was foundational to her character and values, to which she remained true, all 87 years of her life. 

Left behind to mourn Shirley's passing is her cherished husband, Frank Bingham, son Brent Ashley Bingham and wife Nina, brother William Reid "Buddy" Brewer, and five grandchildren: Brooke Bingham, Toni Bingham Stewart and husband Hunter, Brendon Bingham, Kris Gladstone, and wife Caitlin and Krista Miller; seven great grandchildren: Bryden Gladstone, Mavric Gladstone, Charlotte Gladstone, Breanna Miller, Brandon Miller, Bristan Miller, and Baileigh Miller; two great, great grandchildren: Amerianna Dansler and Milani Dansler; one special bonus granddaughter, Zoey Liford; and three sister-in-laws Marlene Baker and husband Jerry, Darlene Baker and Jackie Baker and husband Johnny. Many sweet nieces and nephews and cherished cousins and friends also survive Shirley and will miss her dearly. In addition to her parents, Reid and Mary Brewer, Shirley was preceded in death by beloved sons Monte Scott Bingham and Kim Franklin Bingham, sister-in-law Barb Brewer, and brother-in-law Ed Bingham.

The Bingham family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:00 PM.  The family invites those who attend to dress in vibrant colors to celebrate Shirley who brightened the lives of all who knew and loved her. Reverend Ron Howard and Pastor Keith "Buster" Liford will officiate the funeral service. Musical tributes to be performed by Edith Mills, Tammy Marion, Ses Bowling, Irene Mills, and Conner Marion. Interment will follow the funeral in the Binghamtown Cemetery at Dewitt, Kentucky. Casket Bearers are Bobby Washam, Chris Brewer, Barry Baker, JM Hall, Howie Mink, and Marty Smith.  Honorary Casket Bearers are valued employees of Bingham Tire and Edith Mills and Homehelpers of London who cared for and loved Shirley for many years.

 In lieu of flowers, the Bingham family, with gratitude, request donations in remembrance of Shirley be made to First Baptist Church of Pineville or Scalf Chapel Church of Bimble.

 The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mr. Robin Reese, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, and Mrs. Brenda Johnson, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Shirley Sue Bingham.

 Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is entrusted with all services for Shirley Sue Bingham.