Shirley Estep

Shirley Estep, 90, of Alma, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 in Alma. She was born August 26, 1935 in Fort Smith to the late Carl and Eileen (Martin) Kissinger. She was later adopted by her stepfather, Cleon Brewer.

Shirley was a long-time member of Cavanaugh Church in Fort Smith for over 36 years. Cavanaugh was her “Church for Life”, and she took every opportunity in life to share her hope in Jesus with those around her.

Nearly every nurse, doctor, and medical worker she encountered in her last months was quick to mention how joyfully she shared the love of Jesus with them, and how hopeful she remained through every circumstance she encountered. Shirley was quick to brag on all the medical staff that worked with her at Baptist ICU and Heart of Hospice.

The love of Jesus in her shined the brightest in her great love, care, and affection for her daughters and their amazing families. Shirley dedicated her life to caring for the children in her family across each generation and often commented on the joy each of them brought to her life.

Shirley loved spending every possible moment with the children of her family. This included things like caring for kids during the summers, school drop-offs and pick-ups, attending additional events, after-school care, and even keeping grandkids every other weekend for years. So much of her community didn’t know her as “Shirley”, but simply as “Granny.”

Shirley was a retired employee of Dixie Cup in Fort Smith and was always quick to recount her time there with her incredible work friends.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Estep of 71 years; three daughters, Pam Barry and husband Jeff of Alma, Karen Justice and husband Bobby of Fort Smith, and Darla Brown and husband Ron of Alma; two sisters, Cleona Worley of San Diego, California, and Donna Jacobsen of Columbia, California; a brother, David Brewer of Redwood City, California; ten grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church in Fort Smith. Burial will be private at the Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Shawn Justice, Jordan Barry, Zachary Brown, Matthew Bond, Haden Roark, and Tanner Jacobs.

Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church at 2828 Briarcliff Avenue, Fort Smith 72908 or www.cavanaughchurch.com.