Shirley Jean Shankles
May 28, 1939 – May 5, 2024
Shirley Shankles, age 84, passed away at her home on May 5, 2024 after a period of declining health. Born on May 28, 1939 in Central Tennessee outside of Nashville, she graduated from Gordonsville High School and then joined the United States Air Force. She was honorably discharged and moved to Jackson Parish in 1960. In February of 1969 she married her husband of 55 years, Jerry Shankles. In 1972, she graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a master’s degree in English. In 1973, she started teaching at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, where she spent 35 years teaching English. She always took a special interest in each student and dedicated herself to their education.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Jerry Shankles of Jonesboro; son, Russell Hill (Michelle) of Quitman; daughter, Amanda Shankles of Jonesboro; brother, Bill Hunt (Doris) of Bay City, Michigan; grandson, Andrew Hill (Toni) of Nacogdoches, Texas; granddaughter, Emily Hill of Ruston; in-laws, Betty Wyatt of Jonesboro and Donald and Mary Shankles of Ruston; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Buff Hunt; stepmother, Rita Smith; nephew, Bill Hunt, Jr.; in-laws, Maxine and Edward Hughes, Joy and Bub Haile, Billy Wyatt and Jane Hughes.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Reverend Brian McAllister and Reverend Randy Dark will officiate. Burial will be at Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery in Jonesboro.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Ed Rich, Bobby Lyles, Perry Hawkins, Gary Black, Johnny Templeton, Richard Tew, Ken Hartsfield and Glynn Saulters.
Dorothy Alene Stewart
May 13, 1944 – April 29, 2024
Dorothy Alene Stewart went to her heavenly home on Monday, April 29, 2024, after 79 years of living graciously and abundantly. Born May 13, 1944, in a large, loving, Christian family, she lived a Godly life, always positive and joyful with a sweet smile for everyone. Known lovingly as “Butch” to her family and friends, she always asked about and helped others and saw the best in everyone. She loved to sing and harmonize in church choirs with her beautiful alto voice. Butch loved living on Caney Lake, boating, camping, and following sports through the years. She loved to travel and “take a ride” to get out and see the sites and visit with people. Her fashion sense was always “on point” as a true Southern lady, and in her younger years she enjoyed shopping with her sisters to see the latest styles. Throughout her career, she worked in business administration, and retired after 30 plus years at Napa Auto Parts in Jonesboro.
Butch is survived by her longtime, devoted and loyal friend, Fay Wainwright, of Jonesboro and her brother Loy “Junior” Stewart of West Monroe, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Odessa (nee Hicks) and L. L. Stewart, and 4 brothers and 4 sisters, including most recently her close sister, Rita Gail Morris, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Our beloved Butch will be greatly missed by all who loved and adored her and were blessed by her sweet spirit. Well done, good and faithful servant! A life celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving in memory to the charity of your choice.