Shirley Ann (Murphree) Johnston-White Obituary (1934

Shirley Ann Johnston-White, 87, of Little Rock, formerly of Russellville, passed peacefully, and surrounded by her family, Saturday, October 1, 2022. She was born November 30, 1934, in Roswell, New Mexico, 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 late husbands, Carl R. Johnston and Paul E. White, Sr. Those left to cherish her memory and to carry forward her legacy of service to her fellow man, include her daughter, Debi Johnston Barnes (David); sister, Linda Register (Mike) and step-sister, Margaret Pinner (Doyle); two step-children, Sue White Arnett; and step-son, Phil White (Carolyn); step daughter-in-law, Joy Robertson (Johnny); 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 was a vivacious and talented woman with beautiful aqua eyes and a smile that dazzled. She practiced charity in secret, and put her Lord, her friends, and family on the center stage of life. She celebrated life through a love of music. She had a beautiful voice and could be heard singing in her home as she went about her day. Her favorites were from the American song book, Broadway tunes, and classical music. Shirley designed and sewed clothing for herself and Debi that was nothing short of haute couture. She prepared beautiful and bountiful feasts to celebrate special occasions, birthdays, and holidays. Honorees of these occasions were made to feel like they were royalty. Each morning began on her patio, breathing in fresh air with a cup of hot coffee, and watching the sunrise with her beloved cat, Belle, and listening to the melodies of morning birds. She knew each bird by its song and taught others love and respect God's creation. With a yard admired by neighbors and friends, Gerber daisies and roses were her favorites, and each bloom received tender care. After her daughter left for college Shirley began a professional career as the personal dental assistant to Dr. Charles Boyce, working by his side for over 26 years. During that time, she was always the friendly voice and reassuring smile of his office, providing care and comfort to their patients. She loved her work, and in her caring way, the staff and Boyce's were an extension of her family. Shirley realized the essential quality life was unconditional love which she bestowed liberally in each role of mother, sister, aunt, wife, stepmother, grandmother and friend. When Shirley was in her tender 11th year, her mother died, and so she became mother to her younger sister, Linda. She also helped raise her nieces when their mother passed unexpectedly, providing them with a stable environment of love and security. Shirley's greatest passion was loving her daughter, Debi, with an unconditional and sacrificial love, giving her all the opportunities that she missed in her own childhood. She taught her the art of kindness, a love for nature, and a deep appreciation for music and art. Adoringly known as "Grammar" to her grandchildren, she found great joy in time with each one, and was often on the floor playing "horse" and then cooking their favorite meals. Although her stepchildren were grown when she married their father Paul, Sr., she nurtured them as though they were her own. Through her actions she showed them that love is more than a feeling, and that the decision to love liberally is the keystone of a good life. Through endless acts of kindness, her gift of self was the best gift of all, and each knew that they would be always welcome in her home as a part of her family. With an inventory of cards she sent handwritten notes to friends and family to express their special place in her life. Festive decorations for each season and special occasion were a hallmark of her home. Birthdays were a delight to all, featuring a favorite meal, and the decoration of a personalized cake. Holidays were equally special, with hand-painted Easter egg trees for the little ones, Thanksgiving feasts, and Christmas Eve fondues. Shirley's favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved to decorate her home and created memories filled with winter-wonderlands of Snowmen and Santa's for even the "Scroogiest" of her loved ones. She spent hours baking and decorating Christmas goodies and was famous for her Christollen Bread prepared in the wee hours of Christmas Eve and then delivered piping hot to neighbors and friends. Her Christmas caroling officially began on Thanksgiving Day and you could hear her singing carols throughout the season. She was an active member of the Church of Christ in Russellville, and her capacity to show love knew no bounds. There is an old hymn that says, "they will know we are Christians by our love," and Shirley's life reflected that love and all that was good. Her mission in life was to make the world a better place and she specialized in unconditional love for her family and friends. She was an independent woman of great strength, determination, and courage which continues to influence all who knew her. She leaves a legacy of service and love that fills our hearts now and forever. With her mission on earth successfully completed, she is now at home in Heaven singing songs of worship & praise and experiencing the full love & joy of her Lord and her God for all eternity. The family wishes to thank 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. TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SHIRLEY JOHNSTON-WHITE PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK