Lucile Esmon Shivley

Lucile Esmon Shivley, 102, of Little Rock, died on Thursday, November 7, 2013. She was born Oct. 21, 1911, and grew up on her family's farm near Corning, Ark. After attending Hendrix College for two years, she married the late Charles Shivley on Sept. 7, 1932, and spent the next 69 years as a homemaker and as Charles's "public relations woman." She supported his career and, in retirement, their, volunteer efforts for the Veterans Administration programs in Arkansas and the Phillippines until his death in 2001. She and Charles shared a deep commitment to the United Methodist Church where both held leadership roles. She is known as a progressive and forward-thinking church leader with the ability to reach out to and encourage others. Lucile has a deep respect for higher education. Her enthusiasm and personal warmth make her a favorite with Hendrix College students. Mrs. Shivley was active in supporting the lives, hopes, ambitions, and dreams of youth. Lucile encouraged initiatives that enhance social justice and help students expand their understanding of other cultures. Through a series of challenge grants, she encouraged increased giving in support of scholarships and financial aid for students. Charles and Lucile were world travelers. Lucile helped initiate student projects that incorporate service learning into international travel or study abroad experiences in third-world countries. Lucile received the 2005 Kresge Award, which is given annually by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Lucile was awarded the 2007 Outstanding Philanthropist Award by the Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). At 96, the Hendrix College Board of Trustees awarded her an Honorary Degree in 2009. Lucile's many interests include volunteering at Camp Aldersgate, supporting Heifer International in its fight against world hunger and actively volunteering with the Red Cross. Lucile stretched all of her resources to supplement other non-profit organizations by directing volunteers in making costumes for dolls for the Salvation Army sale, organizing and working year-round on the annual Parkway Village garage sale, and making turbans for the Cancer Society patients. In the years following World War II, Lucile served with her husband, a Veterans Administration administrator, in many different locations around the world. In Forrest City, she was involved with the United Council of Churches and was the first woman to receive the city's "Woman of the Year" award in 1950. Chairing the Junior Red Cross "Volunteen" training, counseling VA patients and working with the United Council of Churches are among her favorite memories. The ministry of Highland Valley United Methodist Church (and UMC wherever they lived) grew and flourished through the Shivley's tithing. Lucile was a volunteer leader teaching Sunday School, participating in the Tele-Ministry program and a strong supporter of youth mission trips. In appreciation of her relationship at Parkway Village, she was a supporter of Baptist Health Foundation where both benefited from her volunteer staffing to organize projects and fundraisers. Lucile was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles, and sister, Geneva Bigger (B.F.) of Pocahontas. She is survived by her sister, Lesley (Beverly) Moseley of Cocoa, Fla.; nephews, Rev. James Moseley, Del.; Joseph Charles Moseley, Fla., Pratt Moseley, Florida, Paul Moseley, Fla., Frank Bigger of Pocahontas; Bob Esmon Bigger of Florida; Von Shivley, Memphis; A.W. "Buddy" Shivley, Alba, AL; Joe Shivley, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Nick Shivley, West Memphis; nieces, Jane Vogel, Va.; Mary Kathryn Shivley Garrison of Bryant; Marylynn Shivley Holloway, Sugarland, Texas; Johnnie Shivley Moore, Batesville; several great-nieces and nephews, her special friend, Patrick Watson, caregiver, Gloria Watson; and her extended Hendrix family. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Parkway Village (14300 Chenal Parkway- Commons Building) at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2013. Memorials may be made to Hendrix College, Highland Valley United Methodist Church, Alzheimer's Foundation, the Baptist Foundation, Parkway Village or UMCOR of the United Methodist Church to aid for the recent Philippine disaster. Please visit www.cremationsofarkansas.com to sign the online guest register.