Shirley A McElroy

Shirley was born in Whelen Springs, Arkansas on December 17, 1944, to Doyle and Nettie Eakin. After graduating from Arkadelphia High School, she attended nursing school at St. Vincent School of Nursing in Little Rock. Graduating in 1965 from the nursing program, she worked her entire 42-year career at St. Vincent Infirmary. On July 10, 1965, she married Robert (Bob) Ernest McElroy. They raised two children, John and Kelley.

Shirley’s passion for nursing was unsurpassed. During her 42-year nursing career, she touched the lives of thousands of families during their hospitalizations. She was respected in her chosen field by coworkers and the medical community alike. Shirley was a great storyteller. There weren’t many opportunities missed to share her life’s experiences with those around her. She loved crafting, in particular making Halloween costumes for her children as they grew up and later carrying on that tradition for her grandchildren. Handmade custom Old-World Santa’s were her specialty, gifting many luxurious Santa’s to her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Nettie (Ross) Eakin, her husband, Bob, and two brothers, Robert and Larry Eakin.

She is survived by her children John McElroy (Evette) and their sons John Robert and Joshua; daughter Kelley McElroy Clay (Bryan) and their children, Logan, Megan, and Landon, her brother Harry (Butch) Eakin (Dorothy), sister Lin Eakin Watson (Ralph), and sister-in-law, Linda Eakin, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday November 23, 2021, located 7401 Highway 5 N Alexander, AR 72002. A celebration of life will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Allan Eakin officiating.

Following the service, a family gathering will be held at Celebration Baptist Church located at 4601 Highway 229, Haskell, Arkansas 72015.

In place of flowers, suggested donations may be made to Celebration Baptist Church, 4601 Highway 229, Haskell, AR 72015 in memory of Shirley McElroy or CHI St. Vincent Foundation P.O. Box 7501, Little Rock, AR 72207. Please specify donation for the Nursing Scholarship Funds, in memory of Shirley McElroy.