Shirley Lou (Anderson) White

Shirley Lou Anderson White passed away November 29, 2020 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born June 3, 1937 in Keokuk, IA. She lived in Keokuk until she was 2 years old and then moved to Ottumwa, Iowa until her senior year in high school, she moved to Fort Smith and graduated from Northside High School. Shirley attended West Ark Community College for two years, got her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tulsa and her Master’s Degree from Arkansas Tech. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority.

In 1959, she began her teaching career. She taught at Sutton Elementary School for 7 years and 23 years at Bonneville Elementary. Her goal was to make her students feel special. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Iota, AEA and retired teachers. Shirley received a Life Membership award from Sutton, Bonneville, and City PTA Council. In 1989, she was PTA Teacher of the Year. She was state PTA Vice President of Education. Shirley gave parenting talks all over the state. She was an active member of Association of Childhood Education serving as local, state, chair of the United States State Presidents, International Secretary. She was chair for the 1981 International Convention in Little Rock.

For 57 years, Shirley was an active member of First Christian Church. She and her husband Don were youth sponsors. She was past president of Christian Woman’s Fellowship, taught a Bible Study Class. She chaired worship, membership and Christian Education Committees. She also served as a deacon, elder and chairperson of the church board. Shirley was attending Grand Avenue Baptist Church at the time of her death.

After retiring Shirley served on the Girl Scout Nominating Committee, Board President of Inter-Faith, Lincoln Day Care Board, Board President of Clearing House, Chairperson for Meals for Kids, Chaired the 4th of July Celebration. She received Downtown Sertoma Club-Service to Mankind Award, and in May 2000 she received the Good Heart Award from Channel 24/51.

Shirley married Don White on June 5, 1960. They were married for 60 happy years. They loved to travel and spend the month of November at Myrtle Beach.

They owned an Art Craft Shop, Country Junction for 12 years. She loved to read, play bridge, and be with her friends. Shirley believed if there was magic in the air, it was contained in books.

In honor of Shirley White, viewing will be form 10 AM till 4 PM, Wednesday, December, 2, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 10AM, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Brad McIntosh, Jeff Winn, David Gipson, Sid Martin, Dallas Gipson and Ron Roberts.

A special thank you to Dr. Henry and Judy, Dr. Sills, Dr. Arzoumian, Dr. Adjei and the nurses at Baptist Cancer Center.

Memorials may be made in her name to Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 Hwy 71, Mountainburg, AR. 72946, Interfaith, 1200 5th Street, Fort Smith, AR. 72901 or Community Clearinghouse, 4420 Wheeler Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901.