of Little Rock, AR

December 11, 1935 - June 23, 2025

Shirley Ann Watson passed on Monday, June 23rd surrounded by her family. Shirley was born December 11, 1935 in Russellville, Arkansas, the daughter of Sally Sheffield Howard and Barham Coleman Howard. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1954, where she was a majorette and then attended both Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas A&M in Monticello. She was an elementary school teacher until the birth of her daughter in 1962. She was active in parent/teacher organizations and volunteered for various children's charities, in addition to being a Girl Scout Leader. Later in life she worked in the retail industry at stores like Forsythes and Companions, where she met many good friends. She lived in the Colony West neighborhood in West Little Rock for 53 years where she also had many dear neighborhood friends. She loved watching Razorback sports and cheering the Hogs with friends as well. Shirley's daughter, three granddaughters and five great grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she played a big role in the lives of all.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jack Howard of Russellville. She is survived by her daughter, Marti Henson Kinyon and her husband, Kerry Allen Kinyon of Hot Springs; three granddaughters, Dr. Hannah Henson Williams and husband, Dr. Matthew Williams of Little Rock, Emma Henson Pettingill and her husband, Christopher Pettingill of Austin, TX and Eleanor Grace Henson and her partner, Zan Johnson of Austin, TX and five great-grandchildren, August, Isla and Lily Williams of Little Rock and Grace and Patrick Pettingill of Austin, TX. Shirley is also survived by two nieces, Susan A. Pippen-Lee of Arlington, TX and Judy Carol ''Sissy'' Hill of Russellville.

Following burial at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle, a memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial donations in her name can be made to either the Central Arkansas Library Foundation or the Arkansas Zoological Foundation.

Shirley believed in the importance of reading to children often and at an early age and regularly took her grandchildren to zoo events like Boo At the Zoo. As Shirley said in her final week of life, the Good Shepherd has always looked out for her and blessed her.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com