of Batesville, AR
February 19, 1945 - October 13, 2020
Mrs. Shirley Jo George Greenfield passed peacefully and painlessly from this world on the afternoon of October 13, 2020, at UAMS in Little Rock from complications related to Covid-19. Her final surrender was not to Death, but to her God, who showed her His mercy first through her team of caring providers and then by directly taking her hand and guiding her gently across the finish line to eternal victory and a well-deserved rest.
Shirley is reunited with her beloved husband of 50 years, Larry Greenfield, her mother Geneva Catterlin George, and her father King George, all from Southside, Arkansas; her uncle, Leroy Catterlin of Bald Knob, Arkansas; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Greenfield Martin of Batesville, Arkansas.
Her closest surviving family members are her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Shannon and Leah Greenfield in Little Rock, Arkansas; her grandson, Evan Greenfield, at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville; her granddaughter, Julia Greenfield, at the University of Denver in Colorado; her cousin, Rita Catterlin Wilson of Southside; two nieces, Laura Martin Morris of Batesville, Arkansas, and Amy Martin Caplinger in Jonesboro, Arkansas; two great-nieces, Marley Anderson of Southside and Olivia Caplinger in Jonesboro; a great-nephew, Stone Caplinger in Jonesboro; and her brother-in-law, Harlon Martin of Batesville. She is survived as well by Thelma and Louise, her Shih Tzus and constant companions for the past 7 years.
Shirley's love and respect for her husband Larry was of a depth and commitment that is increasingly rare in today's world. He was her anchor, she was the wind in his sails. They loved traveling together across the US with friends, eventually visiting 49 states (you can't get a motor home to Hawaii). When he was stricken with dementia far too soon, Shirley provided for his every need until the very end in January 2014. They were truly special individuals, but together they were ''a whole that was more than the sum of its parts.''
Shirley's three primary roles in life were as daughter, wife, and mother. Shannon was her pride and joy and, growing up, provided constant amusement to her. She was so proud of her son - his education and career path as a psychologist, his faith and work ethic, and the family he built with his wife, Leah. As Shirley aged and endured several health difficulties, Shannon was right by her side, providing guidance and bringing them together in loving support.
Shirley's many friendships were dear to her. Some of those connections were so close that the line between friend and family disappeared. They know who they are. She loved her community, her neighbors, her church family, and was proud to be a Southsidian. She graduated from Southside High School, moved to Little Rock for a brief time after she and Larry were married, but moved back in 1972 to the house where she would live the rest of her life.
Shirley loved music. She was gifted with an angel's voice and could play nearly any stringed instrument she picked up. She sang at countless weddings, funerals, churches, and celebrations throughout Independence County for nearly 50 years. She performed regularly at the Ozark Folk Center for several years, sang at the Louisiana Hayride, and recorded the world-wide smash hit ''Hello Whiskey'' in a studio in Concord. She enjoyed few things more than getting together with others to play music, whether it was just her and her dad picking the banjo over morning coffee, a full-fledged hootenanny with a house full of friends, or a bluegrass festival anywhere within striking distance of an RV. God spoke to Shirley through music, and through her music God spoke to others.
Shirley was a personality who was larger than life, adding ''sass with class'' to any event. She was prone to wear silly hats, had an almost unlimited number of colorful phrases at her disposal, and was a strong believer that well-behaved women rarely made history. She was a unique blend of Scarlett O'Hara and Grannie Clampett. There was no stranger she wouldn't help and no friend she wouldn't ''give a chewin'' if she deemed it necessary. Shirley was indescribably unique and there will never be another exactly like her. The daughter of a King who married a prince, how could she be anything other than royalty? Heaven's a little brighter and this world is shade dimmer in her absence, but when all is said and done, wasn't it worth it to know her?
Because of the risks associated with gatherings during the pandemic, there will be no traditional visitation or funeral service at this time. However, you are invited to visit her FaceBook page, Shirley Jo Greenfield, to share memories, post pictures, and view a special slideshow that will be posted soon. You may also sign the virtual log book at Roller-Crouch funeral home, which will contain a link to Shirley's FaceBook page, as well.
In lieu of flowers or food, those wishing to honor Shirley's memory with a gift are asked to do so through a contribution in her name to the Independence County Humane Society or to Fellowship Baptist Church in Southside.
Sign Guestbook
30 Condolence(s)
Regina Weaver
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Shirley, I didn't learn until today that you were gone...it breaks my heart that it got someone as wonderful as you, but I am glad that you have no more earthly woes, and that you are reunited with Larry, having a wonderful time! I will miss you, but as you pass thru my mind, I will remember you with a big smile! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family as they try to deal with the fact that you are not bound by earthly ties any more. May they be blessed with the many beautiful memories that I am sure you left with them!
Earnest and Debbie Tate
Thursday, October 22, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about Shirley. My husband worked for Larry a number of years ago you couldn't ask for nicer people then Larry and Shirley. You are in our thoughts and prayers God Bless You All.
Sharon Selph
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Shirley was a good friend from many years ago and we kept in touch occasionally. I remember her as being entertainingly funny and a good person who never met a stranger. I also loved to hear her sing with that pure, sweet voice of hers. She gave us a copy of her recording "Hello Whiskey" not long after it was recorded. I will always treasure it. Rest in peace dear friend.
Ginger, Anne & Richard Bachman
Monday, October 19, 2020
Shannon I am so sorry. You and Your family are in our prayers. You mama was sunshine on a cloudy day.
fred denison
Monday, October 19, 2020
Shirley was a member of my sr, class at Southside and one of most entertaining person in our class. She could keep you laughing.. The world's loss is heaven's gain as i'm sure she will add her special touch for having fun. Shannon and your family may God bless you with peace and love in the loss of your mother.
Cleo York Whitworth
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Shirley Jo was a unique person, very talented and caring! She married my nephew, Larry Greenfield, quite young. We always enjoyed visiting with them on our many family gatherings at Jamestown. She will be missed. Prayers for all of you.
Melody Millikin Keller
Saturday, October 17, 2020
The most perfect tribute to an absolutely amazing woman. I loved her dearly and I’m so thankful that I had the privilege to have known her. Shannon, you are such a lucky man to have had such great parents. The world is a better place for having had your Mother in it. Much love and prayers for you and your family. â¤ï¸
Frances Pearson
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Love and Prayers
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
Dwight McKee
Friday, October 16, 2020
Such a wonderful tribute and very accurate depiction of Shirley Jo! Her Father, King George, and my mother, Louise Davis McKee, were first cousins, and grew up near each other working the fields/picking cotton in the beautiful Hutchinson Valley. Mother always attributed to getting thru the hard times of The Great Depression to King George making her laugh as they toiled on their parent’s farms. Mother always commented on Shirley Jo having the same knack as Cousin King for finding humor and laughter in the treasure of everyday living. Shirley Jo was such a gifted talented singer and musician and loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her!
Paula Stewart
Friday, October 16, 2020
Shirley was definitely one of a kind, truly a class act. She and Larry were soulmates. You could tell by how she talked about him that they shared a love few people have.
Ron and Sandra Howard
Friday, October 16, 2020
Shirley and Larry was dear friends of ours for many years. We played music at their house and the farm house also attended many Bluegrass festivals with them over the years and with Shirley after Larry went home to heaven. Shirley will be missed by many friends and family but I’m sure She is rejoicing now with Larry and family there. So Sorry Shannon and May God Bless You and your Family. Ron and Sandra Howard
Penny Mize Clayton
Friday, October 16, 2020
Wonderful obituary. She was truly one of a kind. Prayers to you all.
Laura and Mark Morris
Friday, October 16, 2020
Aunt Shirley will always hold a special place in our hearts along with all the wonderful memories we have of her. Shannon, you and your family are in our prayers. Love you!
Mark, Laura & Marley
Jackie Hall
Friday, October 16, 2020
I use to live by Shirley there by her home for many years and have enjoyed still connecting with her on Facebook. She was an angel placed on earth for all of our enjoyment. So sorry to hear of her passing
Jackie Hall
Patti Hudson
Friday, October 16, 2020
"She was a unique blend of Scarlett O’Hara and Grannie Clampett." This is the best description of Shirley that I can imagine! She was an original for sure. There was never a dull moment when she was around. I had the privilege of working for Larry and Shirley for 20+ years and they showed me how well salt & pepper go together and you can't have one without the other! "There was no stranger she wouldn’t help and no friend she wouldn’t “give a chewin†if she deemed it necessary." This made me smile. Shirley Greenfield was loved by many and will definitely leave a void here on this all too serious earth!
Tammy and Randy Adams
Friday, October 16, 2020
Randy and I had the pleasure of getting to know Miss Shirley when we moved back to Locust Grove.
She was a very special lady. I enjoyed visiting with her on severl occasions.
I could tell that she wasnt feeling well at times when talking to her but she would always say something funny and she would laugh through her struggles.
She was a strong christian woman that we will all miss.
Prayers for all her family.
Paula S Hagan
Friday, October 16, 2020
What a loss! I had known Shirley and her family my entire life. She was such a blessing and a breath of fresh air. No one said things quite like Shirley and we all loved her from the bottom of our hearts for it. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. She meant so much more to our hearts than words can say and she will be missed more than words can express.
Charles and Bonnie Young
Friday, October 16, 2020
I love you so much Shirley, you was just like a sister to me, one of my very best friends. With God's help I will get through this somehow. No words can describe how much I already .miss you. Love you Charles and Bonnie
Delores Posey
Friday, October 16, 2020
The many miles together and the long talks, Shirley was one of a kind and will be missed greatly by many.
Shannon so sorry for your loss, sending loving prayers and thoughts of us on vacation together, always in my heart!
Joyce (Joy) Webster Nunnally
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Shirley was the best! So glad she was a part of my life especially my childhood memories of our families travels. Shannon I’m praying for you and your family.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Shirley was indeed a special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I pray that God will surround you with his strength and peace.
Angel Newcomb
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Shirley was a Dear Friend and one of the strongest women I have ever known. She had so many talents, a most Beautiful voice, a talent for making people laugh, bringing a smile to the face of sadness and she gave good advice to encourage others. She will always be loved and never forgotten.
Praying for peace and comfort for Shannon, Leah and all her family whom she loved so much.
Greyling Davies
Thursday, October 15, 2020
My wonderful coustomer ,that become my dear friend.
Bill Milligan and terresa milligan
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Shirley was a sweetheart miss her prayers for the family.
Kenneth Rorie
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Remembering my cousin, life-long friend, and music partner - Shirley's love and kindness, sense of humor, and musical gifts made the world a better place. It was my honor to visit with her a few weeks ago on the phone and in person a few months back. We always talked about old times and growing up together. Her parents were close friends and neighbors to my parents and many a happy hour was spent visiting each other. Shirley would always laugh at the adventures and misadventures we shared in our younger days, especially the stories about our many trips to the storm cellar. There will never be another Shirley Jo. Prayers for her dear family and many friends.
Ina Lee Henley
Thursday, October 15, 2020
I have known Larry and Shirley many years. Doing business with them and giving her advice on how to rearrange her house. When we built our TimberRidge Lodge in 1999 and untook 12,000 feet of filling it up, and low on funds when the decorating came about, here Larry and Shirley pull up with a black metal bed they made us with our name on a brass plate... they were always our dear friends. We also liked Blue Grass and would see them and visit with them. Shirley stopped in the middle of the road in front of my house not ago and ask me to go RVing with her. Precious Memories.
Louise Hooper
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Shirley was a good friend when she would come into the store we would really have a good visit. I will miss her. God Bless you.
Vikki Crow
Thursday, October 15, 2020
I grew up knowing Shirley she was a friend of my brother Joe; through the years she became my friend too! She was one of those “one in a millionâ€, loved her and respected her she had good advice and was so fun! We are all lucky to have known her; may she rest in eternal peace; lifting her family and loved ones up in prayerâ£ï¸
Eddie & Jeanie Ward
Thursday, October 15, 2020
We meet Larry & Shirley when they moved to Little Rock. Larry work with Eddie. We became fast friends. This was before any children. They were so much fun to be around. They also called us frockers! Don't know where that came from. LOL I will always remember when Shirley went into labor with Shannon, she drove herself to the hospital. They were very special people.
Shannon, so very sorry for your loss.
Eddie & Jeanie Ward
Sue Stinnett and Charleen Strother
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Such a great person and will always be remembered.