of Little Rock, AR
March 15, 1936 - February 21, 2018
Shirley Janet Smith Wise, aged 81, died peacefully on February 21, 2018 at home in her apartment at Parkway Village Retirement Home in Little Rock, after a long satisfying life. Shirley was born March 15, 1936 in West Helena, Arkansas, the daughter of Henry W. Smith and Vada L. Hamilton Smith.
After graduation from Helena High School, Shirley moved to Memphis, TN. In 1955, while attending the Draughn Business College, she met and married James Edwin Wise, Jr. while he was attending the University of Tennessee Medical School. After his graduation in 1958, Dr. and Mrs. Wise moved their growing family to Marvell, Arkansas. Shirley worked for the Wise Medical Clinic from home as the bookkeeper and office manager, and after her three children graduated from college, she worked in the office.
Shirley was funny, known for her girlish giggles, a very intelligent woman and an accomplished pianist and organist. She performed many recitals during her school years, and won the talent competition where she was runner-up in the Miss Phillips County beauty pageant. She used this gift until no longer physically able as the pianist, organist, and choir director at each the Marvell United Methodist Church and the Marvell First Baptist Church.
Because of her great love of reading, the Wises donated the Wise Medical Clinic building to the town of Marvell which is today the Marvell Library. She often frequented the library while residing in Marvell and at the time of her death, was still interested in and was kept up-to-date by the librarian.
Shirley was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marvell, and also had close ties to her friends at the United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James E. Wise, Jr., and a grandson. She is survived by her children Pamela Sharp (husband Jeff) of Little Rock, Jim Wise (wife Lisa) of Benton, and Bobby Wise (wife Kim) of Ocala, FL, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A brief visitation at the West Helena Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will begin on Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service to be held at Sunset Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Brother Justin Curtis. Pallbearers are Bill McCartney, James Futrell, John Stiedle, Dean Massy, and Chris Clatworthy. Honorary pallbearer is Robin Clatworthy.
Memorials may be made to the Marvell Library, First Baptist Church at Marvell, or the Marvell United Methodist Church.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
Hello Family, I'm giving my condolences. Bobby & I were classmates (Deborah Allen), so words to you just look to the hills which comes all of your help because God will take care of you!👍
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Shirley. I have fond memories of your family as do many people in our community. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and peace during this time.
I met your sweet mom shortly after she moved to PWV and I began working there. My dad pastored in Turner and she remembered my piano teacher in Marvel, whose name I had long forgotten. We enjoyed conversations about small town life, books, music, and heaven! She was a fierce prayer warrior and even though I assured her she could pass the torch, she said no one could pray for her children like she could! My life was enriched by our friendship and I celebrate her home, knowing we are 'forever family'. Pamela and Jimmy, God bless you for your loving care. Bobby, know you were spoken of and prayed over, even if separated by miles. I will always think of her when I see four o'clocks. She laughed about the seed packet in her birthday card, saying she didn't think she had ever gotten seeds for her birthday before. Without a doubt, she planted 'seeds' of eternal significance throughout her lifetime. I'm so grateful to have known her.
I enjoyed staying with your mother. Peace be with your family!!
Thoughts and prayers for your family
Our thoughts and prayers
Thinking of you and your family
We will greatly miss Ms.Shirley. Thank you for giving us the honor of getting to know and love her. We will never forget her kindness shown to us. Know that all of you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
I so wish i could be there to say goodby to a long time family friend. Mom and Dads best friends ..Dr. wise and Mrs. Shirley. They were always in oir lives. ..He delivered our first child and was with me as my little boy left this earth. I valued them both for being role models for so many . To the family... i am sendimg u all my prayers... i have so many pics.. of moms.. i will send when o get unpacked and find them...im now in fla near ocala. I saw bobby isin ocala as well.. i loved your Mom so much as i did your Dad. U were blessed to have such wonderful parents. Love u all and know Heave has gained a wonderful angel.
SHIRLEY AND JIM WERE GREAT CITIZENS FOR MARVELL & PHILLIPS COUNTY . THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL ALWAYS BE APPRECIATED BY ALL. THE FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS JIM MAYER; MAYER FAMILY