Shirley Ann Johnston-White

SHIRLEY ANN JOHNSTON-WHITE, 87, of Little Rock, formerly of Russellville, died Saturday, October 1, 2022, with her family by her side. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Humphrey Funeral Home & Chapel in Russellville, and she will be laid to rest beside her deceased husband, Paul White, at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville. Shirley was born November 30, 1934, in Roswell, N.M., to Doyle Conrad & Callie (Ford) Murphree. She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepmother, Lillian Murphree; her brother, Doil Murphree; a sister, LaRue Murphree Sumner; two stepchildren, Paul "Buster" White and Lucy White; a step son-in-law, Bob Arnett; and her two late husbands, Carl R. Johnston and Paul E. White, Sr. Her family left to carry forth her loving and meaningful legacy including her only child and loving daughter, Debi Johnston Barnes (David); a sister, Linda Register (Mike) and a step-sister, Margaret Pinner (Doyle); a step-daughter, Sue White Arnett; a step-son, Phil White (Carolyn); a step daughter-in-law, Joy Robinson (Johnnie); six grandchildren: Paul White III, Jake White, Joe White, Ally White-Nichols, Chris Barnes and Stephanie Barnes; seven great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews. Shirley's mission in life was to make the world a better place and to make her family and friends feel loved. She was an independent woman of great strength, determination and courage that will forever hold influence on anyone that had the privilege to know her. She leaves a legacy of servitude and love that will provide comfort to those who loved her and fill their hearts forever. Shirley had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She loved to cook and prepare feasts for every special occasion whether it be a holiday, birthday or just to bless her family. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved to decorate and enjoyed baking Christmas goodies for her guests. She loved the outdoors, the singing of birds, and the tending of her beautiful flower gardens which held her favorites, roses and Gerber daisies. Her beloved cat, Belle, was always close by her side to cuddle, love and give her special companionship. Shirley was an active member of her church and her faith was an important aspect of her life. She exemplified the line of a popular worship song, "they will know we are Christians by our love." With her mission of love & service completed here on earth, she now resides in Heaven singing songs of worship & praise to the God she so faithfully loved and served. Memorial donations may be made to: Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, 11300 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 200, Little Rock, Ark., 72212; or the Arkansas Zoological Foundation (Little Rock Zoo), 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72205. The family thanks her caregivers at Encore Nursing and Rehab in Little Rock for their truly loving care, and their support to her daughter during Shirley's last days on this earth. Internet obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.