Shirley Ruth Barnett

Shirley was born to Oscar and Grace West on Christmas Day 1941 in Rye, Arkansas and was the oldest of six children. After a childhood on the family farm, Shirley graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1959 where she was described as “carefree as the day is long”. After graduation, Shirley moved from the country to the big city of Little Rock to attend the Draughon School of Business and began her career at National Old Line Insurance and Arkla Gas (Centerpoint Energy). Shirley retired in 2005 after 37 years of service with Arkla. Shirley spent much of retirement doing what she loves most – humbly serving her church family, friends, neighbors, and family.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Shelley (David) Vanlandingham, son Derek (Kylene) Barnett; four grandchildren, Branson (Catie) Vanlandingham, Grace Vanlandingham, Ava Barnett, and Kieran Barnett, all of whom will miss her dearly. Shirley also is survived by her loving siblings, Albert West, Vivian (Elvin) Novak, Joyce (Reynold) Blair, Dewey (Katie) West, and Martha Cravens; as well as numerous nieces and nephews - each of whom are also mourning the loss of their big sister and aunt who is always willing to lend a hand when needed. Shirley also will be missed by her granddog, Rossi who in recent weeks was a constant and loving companion. Shirley is truly blessed with a loving and supportive family, including her church family of Park Place Baptist Church where she has served as a long-time member.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest (1986); parents, Oscar (1978) and Grace (1982) West; and brother-in-law, John Cravens (2023). The thought of Granny and Ern reuniting brings joy to the hearts of her family and friends left behind.

First and foremost, Shirley is a child and servant of God putting Him first in everything she did in life. As a servant leader Shirley taught JOY - prioritizing Jesus, Others, and Yourself in that order to find JOY in life - believing that life’s hardships are balanced by the promise of eternal heavenly glory. Her strong faith is a cornerstone of her life and provides an enduring example to her family and friends. Shirley has been an active member of Park Place Baptist Church for more than 50 years, during which she has served in numerous capacities. In addition, Shirley was active in the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary of the Baptist Missionary Association at both the Central Arkansas District and state levels.

To know Shirley was to know the true meaning of a servant's heart. She always strived to see the best in people regardless of the circumstances. She is loving, loyal, meek, humble, and possesses strength allowing her to rely on God's power and will rather than her human might. Shirley selflessly served others whether it was her church, family, friends, or neighbors almost always foregoing her comfort and convenience in order to assist others, all the while never seeking admiration, even fervently shunning compliments. In fact, one of the best ways to get Granny going was to sing her praises - she did not want to be placed upon a pedestal. The biggest compliment you could give is to emulate a servant heart and live by JOY.

Our hearts are broken now, but her friends and family rejoice knowing that she was welcomed into the presence of the Lord with a “well done, good and faithful servant”.

The family would like to thank her doctors and professionals for their care and efforts, as well as her army of prayer warriors for lifting her up during her recent earthly hardships.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Baptist Missionary Association America (BMAA), Just the Crumbs Ministries, We Are FREE, or Little Rock Compassion Center in memory of Shirley.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 HIGHWAY 5 N, ALEXANDER, AR 72002. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Park Place Baptist Church, 22208 I-30 Frontage Rd, Bryant, AR 72022.