Shirley G Spillman

Shirley Grace Spillman, age 89, passed away peacefully in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 31, 2025. She was born in Kibler, Arkansas on March 15, 1936, and was a longtime native of Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas.

Shirley was a devoted member of Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren and lived her life grounded in faith, family, and quiet dedication to those she loved.

She was married to her beloved husband, Byron Don Spillman, for 62 years and together they built a life centered on family and service as Don served in the United States Navy for over 37 years. She is survived by a son, Darren Tracy Spillman and his wife Margaret; a daughter, Lisa Carol Zipperman and her husband Neal. Shirley was a proud grandmother to Grace (Jacob) Stansell, Feild Spillman, Jackson (Ashley) Willis, Cate Willis, and Graham Willis, and great-grandmother to William Feild and Bradley Anne Stansell and Rosalie and Lucy Willis. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Laura Watson.

Shirley worked as a bookkeeper at the Fort Smith stockyards; she continued the legacy of her Aunt Grace Shinn, whose influence she carried with pride throughout her 50-year career. Known for her strong work ethic and attention to detail, Shirley brought integrity and care to all she did.

In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Burl and Henrietta Shinn Titsworth, her brother Bob Titsworth, and her daughter-in-law Anne Feild Spillman.

She will be remembered for her steady presence, deep love for her family, and the quiet strength that guided her life. Her memory will live on in the generations she leaves behind.

Services will be held at a later date. There will be a private interment at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Memorials can be made to Heritage United Methodist Church Food Distribution Center, 1604 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, AR 72956.