Shirley Jones Lynch

On Feb. 10, 2011, Shirley Jones Lynch, age 77, longtime resident of Pine Bluff, Ark. died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Mother, sister, wife and confidant to all who knew her, she was an extraordinarily thoughtful and creative woman, whose zest for life and dedication to her family and friends will serve as her enduring legacy. She was born in Pine Bluff on Feb. 11, 1933 to the late Joe Howell and J.G. Smith. She was a smart and precocious child and she joyfully documented her many youthful adventures in the 1995 illustrated book "The Happy Little Girl." Many of these stories were published in national children and teen magazines. She attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va. as well as the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. There she was selected as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force ROTC and was a member of the Psi Chapter of Chi Omega sorority. Attractive and sociable, she was also nominated for beauty queen. First and foremost a mother, she raised four children and spent much of her adult life dedicated to civic and charitable organizations and creative hobbies. Shirley was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, serving on many committees and as a Sunday School Teacher. She actively supported the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, the Pine Bluff Junior Sesame Club, the Pine Bluff Junior League and as a lifelong cat lover, the local Humane Society. All who knew her found her a trusted friend and loving advisor. A multi-talented artist, she delighted in playing the piano, painting and refinishing furniture. Collaborating with a friend, she restored and painted antique hobbyhorses, which were displayed in regional department stores and catalogs as "Goly Horses." Her whimsical and colorful mosaic tiled mirrors can be seen in the homes of many of her dearest friends. Shirley was preceded in death by the father of her children, James David Jones (Buddy), who died in 1983 and her son, James David Jones Jr. (David) who passed away in 1993. She is survived by her husband, Dr. L.M. Lynch of Pine Bluff; her sister, Joanne S. Smith of Pine Bluff; son, Fred Howell Jones and wife, Betty of Carlisle; daughter, Lynn Kell and husband, Richard Watts of Little Rock; daughter, Jody Brennan and husband, Michael of Little Rock; four grandchildren, Jay Kell, his wife, Emily of California; Leslie Vann and her husband, Jeriamy of Maumelle, Jade Brennan and her husband, Jake of Raleigh, N.C. and Drew Conner of Carlisle. She also has one great-grandchild, Ally Katelin Vann of Maumelle. A memorial service in Shirley's memory is planned for Monday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Pine Bluff by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall of the church immediately following the service. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Adway Caregiving and Hospice Angels for their care and support. They request that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603 or to the Jefferson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2233, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71613. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.