Shirley Nipper

Shirley Nipper, age 75, of Beebe, Arkansas passed away April 7, 2011 at her home. She was a devout Christian, a loving mother, and a devoted wife. Shirley was born in Vilonia on March 1, 1936. As a minister's daughter, she spent her early years in Alex, Paragould, Beebe, and Barnsdall. She graduated in Barnsdall, Oklahoma in 1954 and went on to college in Oklahoma City at Bethany Nazarene College to pursue a career in teaching. She taught Home Economics for three years in Chouteau, Oklahoma and then continued her studies at OSU and UCA earning the equivalent to Master's degree. After marriage, she became an elementary teacher in Jacksonville for three years before becoming a full-time homemaker for the remainder of her days.

She also enjoyed many hobbies: traveling, painting, crocheting, and other arts and crafts activities. She was honored by the United Methodist Women for her work in this area. She also spent many hours volunteering at the Beebe Public Schools.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Marvin Simpson, by her sister, Marilyn Kay Simpson, and by two infant daughters, Sabra Ann and Jacqueline Michelle Nipper.

Survivors include her mother, Mildred Simpson of Beebe, her devoted husband, Tommy Nipper of Beebe; one daughter, Connie Kinman and her husband Dalin of Beebe and one grand dog, Kira.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and staff at the Searcy Medical Center, White County Hospital, Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, UAMS, and Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. A special thanks goes to Dr. David Covey and his nurse, Angie Henson, who were very supportive during her long illness.