Shirley Jean Siam

Shirley Jean (Ellison) Siam, age 74, of Van Buren, passed into her loving Savior’s arms on Thursday, September 23, 2026. She was born in Mulberry, on November 13, 1951 to Alton and Velta (Medlock) Ellison.

Shirley graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith, and Arkansas State University in Beebe (ASU-Beebe) with an associate’s degree.

On November 12, 1986, Shirley enlisted in the United States Army, where she served at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This was one day before her 35th birthday. There, she received Marksman Badges for both M16 rifles and hand grenades. Given her passion for driving, she also learned to drive a tank, a story she loved to share with others.

After eight years of military service, Shirley returned to Arkansas and remained indirectly involved with the Armed Services, while mastering uniform sales at Fort Chaffee (Sebastian County). Thereafter, given her love for children and education, she became involved with and later directed the Head Start Program in Crawford County (Van Buren).

Shirley had deep spiritual faith; strong love for family, friends, and pets (and random others); and a special zest for life that included expansive story telling skills. If you ever had a moment, stranger or not, she could talk (and yes, sometimes repeat) to you for hours, regaling with exuberance about her experiences, that for the most part never grew old to listen to.

The Bible served as her guiding light to life. She was active in church throughout her life. It brought her much joy, lasting friendships, and extra strength to help her face health challenges and comfortably prepare to meet her Maker.

After her relationship with God, Shirley loved and cared for her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters.

She is survived by a daughter, Andrea Siam of Van Buren; two sons, Shawn Siam and wife Kristi of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, and Johnny Siam of Clarksville; her grandchildren, Gavyn Cunningham (Skyler), Gage Jones, (Kaitlyn), Jarad Siam (Camber), Shawna Siam (Eric), Ashley Ridenhour, Alexis Siam, Noah Siam, Zane Siam, and Malaya; her great-grandchildren, Wavelry Cunningham, Atlas Jones, Aubrey, Alex, Marvin, and Xavier Siam, Oliver and Romand Stipes and Riley and Brycen Ridenhour; and her beloved dog Faith.

On a personal level, in addition to driving a tank, Shirley loved cars, particularly sporty ones, and telling stories about them. This included a Pontiac Fiero that had the rear spoiler stolen off of it several times; a convertible Pontiac Trans Am that was the last one sold new in Fort Smith; and her last vehicle, a convertible Chevrolet Corvette that she flew to New York to buy.

She also loved the Christmas season (she put together beautiful decorations and trees), the color red (note her celebration of life dress), flowers (especially red roses); hair and make-up; jewelry (particularly diamonds and yellow gold); leopard print clothing (her standard go-to in later years); perfume (favorite brand – Chanel No. 5); purses (from Coach to Louis Vuitton); and rhythm and blues music. She prided herself on always being dressed to the nines!

So, in a nutshell, Shirley was an adventurer, a talker, and a looker – positive qualities we can all aspire to and fondly remember her for!

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Siam, John Siam, Tim Holland, Eric Stipes, Gage Jones, and Gavyn Cunningham.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley and the family ask that you please feel free to make a donation to Kitties and Kanines in Fort Smith; or a charitable cause/organization of your choice. Thank you!

“Those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings, like eagles (or angels);

They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31