Brenda Joyce Shirley (78) arrived at her heavenly home on February 26, 2024, surrounded by her children and family. Brenda was born to Edward and Theo Juanita Gilliam Craig on March 2, 1945. She married the love of her life Charles Dene Shirley, on December 4, 1959.
Brenda was known for her love for the Lord, her loving heart, and her famous chicken and dressing. She was the cherished matriarch of her family and was lovingly entitled “the General” by her sisters. The lives of her loved ones were enriched by her presence and her life will be remembered at each holiday and Sunday dinner.
She is survived by her children: Lesa Parmer & husband Scotty, son Craig Shirley & wife Candace, son Tim Shirley & wife Becky, and daughter Geraldine Cook, grandchildren: Jeremy Parmer (Kim), Megan Davis (Weldon), Jake Shirley, Claire Shirley House (Clayton) and Charlie Shirley, great-grandchildren: Lofton Davis, Pearce Davis, and Shepherd House. She is also survived by her sisters: Doris Vance, Debbie Huey, and Penny Lupkey, and several nieces and nephews.
Brenda is preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-love: Dan & Verla Shirley, infant daughter: Brenda Darlene Shirley, and sisters: Sue Looney, Kay Looney, Patricia Stewart, and Sherry Berry.
Graveside services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Kyler Cemetery. Pallbearers include men of the Church.
The family will gather at the Olyphant Church of Christ after the graveside service for a memorial visitation. Everyone is welcome to attend for food and fellowship.
A special thank you to those who cared for her in her last years and days, including doctors, nurses, friends & family, and a special helper, James Paul (Buddy) Vance.
For those wishing to make donations in honor of Brenda, the family suggests Arkansas Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
