Shirley Ennis Acchione

Shirley Ennis Acchione, 86, of Little Rock, died on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from complications due to esophageal cancer and Parkinsonism. 

Born near Fordyce, Arkansas, she was the third of four daughters born to parents Robert Clark “Pete” Ennis and Lillian Maxine Shrum Ennis (later, Bell).  Her family lived in other states before returning to Arkansas, where she graduated from Fordyce High School.  Soon after, she moved to Little Rock where she worked as a receptionist.  

In 1955, Shirley was introduced to Julius Acchione by mutual friends at a popular downtown Little Rock lunch spot.  A few months later, they wed and were married 59 years until his death in 2015.  Their union produced three children. 

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Arkansas, Little Rock, with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology in 1987. 

Shirley played tennis for over 35 years.  In 1978, she was ranked #1 in the state for singles and doubles, ages 35-and-over.  She umpired for over 20 years, serving as the Arkansas District Chairman of Umpires 1978-1980 and Secretary for the Tennis Officials of Arkansas (TOA) in 1990.   Shirley received the Patrick M. Riley Umpire of the Year Award in 1977, 2000, and 2005.  She received the USTA Arkansas President’s Award in 2008.  In 1996, she received the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to playing tennis, she took up running.  In 1986 and 1987, she won first place in the Little Rock Pepsi 10K Race, Female 50-to-54 Division. 

She participated in many volunteer or philanthropic groups, most recently Little Rock Master Gardeners, the Auxiliary of UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, St. Francis House, and Philanthropic Educational Organization. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her stepfather Clarence Bell, and her oldest sister Norma Wilkinson-Jaynes.  She is survived by two sisters, Peggy Works of Alexandria, LA and Jean Barton of Fordyce. She is survived by her daughter Sylvia Acchione-Noel (Ron Noel) of Las Cruces, NM and grandchildren Rory and Julia Noel; her son J. David Acchione (Delia) of McAllen, TX and grandson Aaron Garza (fiancée Gina Erato); and her daughter Diana Parrish (Gary) of Little Rock and granddaughter Megan Parrish Cherven (Jason).

Her family expresses its deep gratitude to Arkansas Hospice, Vitality Living at Pleasant Hills, Don’s Pharmacy, and Kathy Cummings, her special caregiver. 

A memorial service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 29, 2022 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 1000 North Mississippi in Little Rock.  Interment will be in the church columbarium, followed by a reception in the parish hall.  St. Mark’s and Shirley’s family strongly recommend attendees wear masks. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, C/O UAMS Foundation Fund, 4301 West Markham Street, #716, Little Rock, AR 72205 and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi Street, Little Rock, AR 72207.  

Arrangements are made under the direction of Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.