Barbara Shirley

​Barbara Shirley, born August 25, 1938, in Cabot, Arkansas, passed away in Conway, Arkansas on July 30, 2022. On her birthday in 1954 she married the love of her life, Maurice Shirley, Sr. She was the mother of six children, Patricia Murray, Maurice Shirley, Jr. (Julie), James Shirley (Stephanie), Martha Gentry-Couch, Carol Shirley, Cheryl Shirley and a special son, Wendell Blackburn. She and Maurice were the proud grandparents of twenty grandchildren and twenty nine great-grandchildren. Also, left to cherish her memory are her sisters Bettie Jagiello, Sue Frazier, Carolyn Davis, Kathy Girndt, Linda O’Bright, and her brother, Timothy Carmichael.

​Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Carmichael, her father, James H. Carmichael, and her brother, Hoyt Carmichael.

When King Lemuel penned Proverbs 31, under divine anointing, Barbara was one of the “virtuous women” that was in the mind of God as these words were written:

“10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”

“27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”

Barbara and Maurice would have been married for 68 years on her birthday this month.  She was devoted to her husband, loving her children and grandchildren, and giving of herself to others in need of guidance and wisdom. She was a very hard worker at home and on the job. She kept an exceptionally clean house, lovedmowing the yard on her big lawn tractor, and prepared many delicious meals for family and friends. No one could make a better banana pudding. She retired from Central Arkansas Veteran’s Healthcare System.

Visitation will be a 2 PM, August 3rd, at the First Pentecostal Church, North Little Rock, with the funeral at 3 PM. Interment will be at Sumner Cemetery, Sumner Cemetery Road, Cabot, Arkansas.