Issie Hird

Deaconess Issie Dora Hird answered the call to glory on July 12, 2023, at the age of 90.  Throughout her life, she continually touched souls of both family and community through service in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Issie Dora was a valiant, long-time, and faithful member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida.  She served as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, Baptist Training Union teacher, Bible study teacher, and choir member.  

Issie Dora Hird was born on Oct 12, 1932, in Sebring, Florida to the late Arthur and Viola Shoates.  Along with six siblings, Issie Dora grew up in a God-fearing, loving, but hard-working family. She worked various jobs throughout Manatee County, and ultimately retired as a Production Operative for Tropicana.

On April 5, 1958, Issie Dora was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Emmueal Hird in Bradenton, Florida.  Together, they marked 62 years of faithful marriage until April 9, 2020 when Emmueal went home to be with the Lord.  

To cherish her memories, Issie Dora leaves behind her three surviving children, a daughter, Gwendolyn Hollis (husband Henry); and two sons, Emmueal Hird, Jr. (wife Bridgette) and James Hird, Sr. (wife Anita).  She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren:  Bernard Hird, Jr.; Brill Abdul; Gwendolyn Hird; Henry Hollis, Jr.; Eric Hollis; Cherie Peterson; Felecia Chatta; Torrian Hird; Maurice Hird; Leah Hird; Celeste Hird; Emmueal Hird, III; James Hird, II; Jordan Hird; Devin Reshard; and an entire host of great-grands, nieces, and nephews - too many to be listed here.

She was preceded to glory by four sisters:  Mary Carter, Martha Watts (Aunt Dot), Vivian Evans; and two brothers:  Elijah Shoates, and Elmore Shoates.  She leaves behind her sole-surviving brother, William Shoates of Bradenton, FL.

Miss Aris K. Simpkins, along with her daughters Iyana L. Gavin and Nayari Simpkins provided long term dedicated care to Issie Dora. The Hird Family expresses its gratitude for your steadfast devotion and wonderful care.  Your gentle hands, daily vigilance, and love were the difference in making “Mom’s” latter life so much more comforting. We are forever grateful to you.

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