Earlene Shoptaw

Earlene Shoptaw, 91, of Little Rock (formerly of Sheridan), Ark., died on May 9, 2021. She was born February 24, 1930, in Pine Bluff, Ark., to the late Earl and Gwinnie Shepherd Elkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Shoptaw; sister, Marcelee Cooper; brother, Carlton Elkins; son, Ray Shoptaw; daughter, Carol Tygart; stepson, Steven Shoptaw; and grandson, David Clayton Shoptaw. Earlene was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Sheridan. She worked for 20 years in public office alongside her late husband, Maurice, in the offices of the Grant County Tax Assessor, Treasurer, and County and Circuit Clerk before retiring in 1990. For the last 14 years she has resided in Little Rock to be closer to her children. She was Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. She and Maurice enjoyed their trips to Branson as well as their travels with the church. She enjoyed golf, painting, crafts, sewing, interior decorating, and working in her yard. She was also instrumental in the design and decorating of the new First Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Brian) Stafford of Little Rock; grandchildren, Brian (Lana) Tygart of Tennessee; Aaron (Valerie) Tygart of Florida; Johnathan Tygart of Alexander; Allison (Scott) Meharg of Benton; Stuart Shoptaw of Hot Springs; daughter-in-law, Glenda Shoptaw of Hot Springs; and son-in-law, Phil Tygart of North Little Rock. Other survivors are her great-grandchildren, Maegan, Cody, Jack, Lizzie, Spencer, Max, and Baker Tygart, Arwen, Avery, and Adleigh Shoptaw; and Claire and Natalie Meharg. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan with Dr. Samuel Adkins officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Phil Tygart, Johnathan Tygart, Stuart Shoptaw, Scott Meharg, Al Mangrum and Alan Moffitt. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1201 S. Rock, Sheridan, Ark. 72150 or Grant County Museum, 521 Shackleford Road, Sheridan, Ark. 72150. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Brookdale Chenal Heights for their love and care of our mother for the last five years. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870-942-1306)