Shelba Tankersley

Shelba Jean Allen Tankersley age 74 of Bismarck died Tuesday, April 26, 2011 in Little Rock. She was born September 5, 1936 in Bismarck, Arkansas to Arvilee and Margie Sanders Allen. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years D. L. Tankersley, two brothers, Ken Allen; Steve Allen and one sister, Barbara Sue Allen. Shelba was a public school teacher and counselor for twenty-six years. She was a member of Bismarck First Baptist Church serving as a church musician and offered private music lessons from her home. Shelba was a member of the Eastern Star #273, Hot Spring County Historical Society, the Steel Magnolias Writing Club and the Bismarck Lions Club.

Shelba was her own masterpiece of God. She was loved and admired for her abundant zest for life, sweet disposition, gentle manner and she believed in sharing with everyone and those less fortunate. She approached life with great zeal unmatched by few.

She was a poet, writer, a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Those who were lucky enough to know her deemed her friendship their good fortune. She lived life, laughed often and loved much. She will always live in our hearts and in our minds. Her love still fills us. Rest in Peace.

Survivors are two daughters, Terri Smith of Monticello, Arkansas; Shari Gills of Bossier City, Louisiana; six grandchildren, Brooke, Ashley, Katie, Stephanie, Taylor and Kameron; five great-grandchildren, Hannah, Caleb, Alyssa, Colin Ray and Kylie; her mother, Margie Sanders Allen; one brother, Stan Allen; one sister, Pat Wilson and a best friend, buddy and helper, Ray Lambert.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, April 29th at Bismarck First Baptist Church with Bro. Jeremy Greer and Bro. Alan Cansler officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Bayou Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-6:30 PM Thursday at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or to American Diabetes Association.