Jane Hall Shackleford

Eleanor Jane Hall Shackleford, age 88, passed away at the John Williamson Hospice House, on Thursday, May 2, 2019. She was born to the late George and Maude Hall on November 11, 1930, in Little Rock, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Charles Thomas Hall, and her husband of 62 years, Dennis Lee Shackleford. She is survived by three daughters: Eve Yancey (Larry) of Little Rock; Carol Mitchell (Steve) of El Dorado; Martha Chisenhall (Larry) of Little Rock; six grandchildren: Clay Chisenhall, Andrew Yancey, Schuler Benson, Mark Chisenhall, Mollie Gathright, and Kate Peterson; and eight great grandchildren: Eleanor Larson, Isaac Larson, Haven Gathright, Addison Chisenhall, Wyn Chisenhall, Leo Yancey, Isabella Chisenhall, and Greer Gathright. The daughter of a prominent rice farmer and businessman, Jane was raised in DeWitt, Ark. She attended the First Baptist Church where she served as the church organist. She graduated valedictorian from DeWitt High School in 1948. Jane attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., where she distinguished herself as a promising author with her short story, "The Swing-Tree". The story was awarded the Lindenwood Gold Medal for creative writing and was subsequently entered in the Atlantic Monthly short story writing contest where it earned a finalist ranking. She completed her education at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) where she was member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and graduated with a B.S. in Social Work with honors in 1952. Jane was the proud and loving wife of Dennis (Denny) Lee Shackleford. They married in 1951. After Denny completed law school and his service with the United States Air Force, they made their home in El Dorado where they lived for 60 years. She devoted her talents, intelligence, creativity and energy to supporting her husband and raising three daughters. Jane was an active member of the community as a member of the El Dorado Service League, the First Christian Church, the Athena Club, and numerous bridge clubs. She was especially active while her daughters were in public schools in El Dorado serving as room mother, Campfire Girl leader, Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher. Later in life she became a member of First Presbyterian Church. Jane also generously shared her wit and wisdom with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her as Gran, and who will always cherish the personal relationship she developed with each of them. She grounded her family with her good sense, an always gracious demeanor, and a practical, sensible approach to parenting and life. Her happiest times were holidays and other special events when she filled her home with family and friends and graciously showered them all with her Southern hospitality, home cooked meals, and the occasional impromptu piano or harmonica solo. Jane and Denny were also fortunate to travel the world together. Their travels took them on extensive tours of France, Italy, Greece (where they experienced the 1999 earthquake), The Netherlands, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. Each trip resulted in new friends, entertaining stories and an expanded appreciation of the world. They shared their love of travel with their children and grandchildren by extending invitations to accompany them on many trips. While they loved to travel far and wide, Jane most enjoyed having her family with her at their homes on Lake Claiborne and later Lake Hamilton as well as spending time at beach houses in Gulf Shores each summer. The family gives its special thanks to Jane's wonderful caregiver, Jessica Tettaton, and all staff at the John Williamson Hospice House at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado. Arrangements are under the direction of Young's Funeral Home in El Dorado www.youngsfuneralhome.com. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Young's Funeral Home with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shackleford Phillips Scholarship Fund, 2224 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, Ark. 72206, John Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Ark. 71730, or First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main, El Dorado, Ark. 71730.