Shrley Iris Finkelstein Reines

SHIRLEY IRIS FINKELSTEIN REINES, devoted wife, loving mother, patroness of the arts, and caring soul, left this world a better place on Aug. 23, 2014, at the age of 93. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Shirley grew up with her Russian immigrant parents and four siblings in Coney Island. During the Swing Era, Shirley danced her way into the heart of dashing Marine Corps Captain Mervin Reines, marrying him on Dec. 5, 1941. After World War II, Shirley and Merv parented two children: Michael Seth Reines of Phoenix, Ariz., and Bonnie Reines Jacobson of Little Rock, Ark. In 1954, the Reines family moved to Athens, Ga., where they lived for 50 years, entertaining countless friends, relatives and dignitaries from around the world. While Dr. Reines served as a respected educator, Shirley was a passionate community volunteer and member of Congregation Children of Israel, spearheading a home-delivered meals program (before Meals on Wheels), the Athens Tay-Sachs Screening Program and testing of underprivileged children for the University of Georgia Psychology Department. After a life rich in arts advocacy and world travel, Shirley and Mervin moved in 2004 to Little Rock, Ark., to be under the loving care of their daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Dr. Bill Jacobson, with frequent visits from son Seth and his partner JR McAlexander. A service to honor the life of Shirley Reines was conducted in Little Rock by Rabbi Barry Block on Aug. 24, 2014, in the home of her former rabbi and beloved friends Gene and Bobbye Levy. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Levy Camp Scholarship Fund, Congregation B'nai Israel, 3700 N Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark. 72212; or Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Shirley's ashes will be joined with her beloved Merv's in Athens, Ga., at a later date. Shirley's family wishes to thank Dr. Claudia Tolleson and staff, the staffs of Parkway Heights and Parkway Health Center, the Baptist Hospital Respiratory Wing nurses, and Baptist Palliative Care, for their compassionate and respectful loving care. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.