of Little Rock, AR
July 12, 1947 - August 7, 2022
Mildred Elizabeth "Beth" Shanks passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022, after a brief, yet intense fight with cancer. Beth was born in Sendai, Japan on July 12, 1947, the second of three Army brats born to Claude and Mildred Lumpkin. In addition to their time in Japan, her family lived in Stuttgart and Munich, Germany; Monterey, California and Little Rock, Arkansas before settling in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Beth attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning a bachelor's degree in education in the spring of 1969, and started teaching in the Fort Smith School District in the fall of that same year. Three years later, she took a position in the Mulberry-Pleasant View School District, where she taught until accepting a position with the Little Rock School District in 1977.
In her career with the LRSD, she taught grades first through eighth, working to create a meaningful impact on the future for as many of her students as possible. She retired from education in 2007. In retirement, she volunteered in classrooms where students could benefit from their shared time, most notably in reading and science. She also volunteered with Holy Sews. Growing up in a military family provided her with a life-long passion for travel, with the Presidio of Monterey being a favorite return destination.
Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Chief (Claude C. Lumpkin, Jr.) and Mimi (Mildred Reed Lumpkin), and by Beau Berryhill, an infant son. She's survived by her beloved husband and partner of 34 years, Don L. Shanks; two brothers, Claude Lumpkin III and Donald Lumpkin; one brother-in-law, David Shanks; two children, Stuart Buck Berryhill and Brooke Berryhill; five grandchildren, Tristan Hoofman, Conall Berryhill, Caitlin Berryhill, Layton Hoofman and Logan Hoofman; a nephew, Dr. Rick Lumpkin; two nieces, Katie Cole and Lindsey Jerden; a large group of close-knit cousins; and an even larger group of friends.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Roller Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with burial at 12:30 p.m. at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle.
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35 Condolence(s)
Joyce Alley
Saturday, August 13, 2022
I taught school with Beth for many years and enjoyed seeing her at retired teachers meetings. She will be sorely missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to family.
Pam Galvani
Friday, August 12, 2022
I met Beth senior year of high school in Fort Smith. She was an immediate friend to me and to so many others. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know this lovely person.
George Pree
Thursday, August 11, 2022
This was the first teacher to truly believed in me and my potential. She really cared about her students and made sure we had the tools to become good people. She would always send me messages asking about my family and made sure I was doing good in life.
George&Judy Currie
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Our world has lost a beautiful soul. She impacted so many with her love, laughter, kindness, and wisdom. Will miss her everyday.
Jamie Kell Bond
Thursday, August 11, 2022
My sister and I were in her 4th grade class in her first year as an educator at Sunnymede Elementary in Fort Smith, AR. When social media arrived on the scene she found me through Facebook. I’m so grateful for the continuous friendship we shared via this platform. She loved my mother and returned to me a hand written recipe card for a strawberry Bundt cake that she made. We lost our mother at the age of 19 and she was just 53. Beth knew how important that handwritten card would be for me. I am saddened to learn of her passing. Rest easy and we will all be together again someday.
Glenda Marts
Thursday, August 11, 2022
I worked with her at Chicot and she was my daughter’s teacher. Lauren and I both loved her dearly. She had such a loving heart for everyone. Love to all her family and friends
Dixie Fair
Thursday, August 11, 2022
I am so sorry. She was always so kind and sweet. My sympathy and prayers.
Meredith Linder
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Beth was a wonderful neighbor when my young daughter and I moved in next door to her. She was such a kind, caring person. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Jay Russell Curlin
Thursday, August 11, 2022
In perhaps her first year of teaching, Beth was my beautiful fourth-grade teacher, and I loved her very much. It has been wonderful being in regular touch with her in recent years through Facebook, and news of her death was a heartbreaking surprise.
Wendy Wise
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I am so sorry. I met Beth several years ago , when I worked for the Estee Lauder company. We became friends. We had the most wonderful conversations, that I will forever be grateful for in so many ways. She was a true blessing here on earth. We talked about God and so many things. She represented true Christ like faith, loved her family and was an inspiration. What else is really important on this side of heaven? Now shes there. And The Lord will comfort us with that and all the good memories. Until we meet again.
Tammy Rash
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Sweet Beth, oh I’m so sorry to hear this news. Beth and I met in an unusual way. She and I had infusion therapy at the same time for years at LRDC. We became friends and carried on conversations during our 3 hour infusions. Such an adorable, caring lady. Praying for strength and compassion for her family.
Lindy Bass
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I’m so sad to hear this news. Beth was such a sweet gracious person. You will be missed.
Karen Henery
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Beth was a wonderful teacher and former colleague in the Little Rock School District. She had a passion for teaching and working with English Learners. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and send prayers and condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest In Peace dear lady.
Rebecca Nelson
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Beth was one of my childhood friends. We met in Germany and both of us attended the U of A Fayetteville. I have many fond memories of the of times we spent together. RIP. I am saddened by your passing. I’ll miss your Christmas cards.
Carol Walker
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I worked with Beth several years at Chicot Elementary. She was such a loving and caring teacher. I remember she would make silly putty with her students every year. I will miss her on FB
Deanna Shaw
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
So very sorry to hear this. I have known Beth since our senior year at Northside in Fort Smith and at U of A. Prayers for comfort for the family. Cherish your memories of this sweet lady.
Comedian Victor Baker
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
She was a wonderful teacher at chicot elementary and had such a kind heart you will be missed and want to send positive vibes and light to her family and friends 🙏🏿🕊️
Glenda Marts
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I worked with her at Chicot and she was my daughter’s teacher. Lauren and I both loved her dearly. She had such a loving heart for everyone. Love to all her family and friends
Kai
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Mrs. Shanks 💕, an absolutely amazing human and one of the reasons I became an educator. Prayers for all of her family and friends. 🙏🏾
Tina Bodiak
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Beth, my friend of 41 years, "may you rest in peace and rise in glory." I will never forget teaching with you or our funny anecdotes we would share about teaching and parenting. Love to Don, Brooke, Buck and the extended family.
Paula Kerr
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Beth was a wonderful colleague and sweet friend from Chicot. She always wore a smile and had a soft,gentle demeanor. I know she left a great legacy through all the students who passed through her doors. Sending prayers to her family.
Susan James Ross
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
So sorry we have lost another good friend. Deep sympathy to all family and friends
Glenda Marts
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I worked with her at Chicot and she was my daughter’s teacher. Lauren and I both loved her dearly. She had such a loving heart for everyone. Love to all her family and friends
Linda Stansbery
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
So sorry to hear about Beth’s death. I taught with her at Brady years ago. We have been FB friends for several years.
Jamie Ishmael
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I loved Beth. I will miss her so much. A true friend.
MICKEY MATTHEWS
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Shocked and saddened by this news. Prayers for the entire family for a special lady. R.I.P. Beth.
Dixie Bailey Dalrymple
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I'm so sorry to read this. We were good friends at Fayetteville High School, even being on the Drill Team during our junior year there.
Even though she didn't graduate from FHS, she came to our class reunion in 2000. Some of us knew she was sick, we hoped she would be able to attend our reunion this summer. Makes me sad.
Carise Echols
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Mrs. Shanks was my 4th grade teacher at Chicot Elementary and the best teacher I’ve EVER had. She taught me so much, encouraged me, came to my wedding, made a crochet blanket for my first born, and so much more! I am so heartbroken by this news but I knows she’s in a better place. I’ll forever remember you Mrs. Shanks! I love you so much!
Vida day
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I taught Beth at Central High School. She has been in touch with me the past 5 years. A sweet person dedicated to serving the youth of our community. Prays for the family.
Julie Stoll
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Breaks my heart! A sweet soul is gone!
Patti McNeill Cassel
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I am sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. She was such a beautiful lady, inside and out. My deepest sympathy for her family.
Cristie Serna
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
This beautiful lady left this world knowing she was very loved. My thoughts will be with her family as the navigate this life without her. My deepest sympathies.
Marian Lanier
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Knew Beth only a short time as one of Beth Chamberlain's friends, but in that short time I grew to love her among many
I will miss her greatly.
Beth (Samler) Chamberlain
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Don, Brooke, and Family,
Please accept my condolences. I know your hearts are broken and I wish I had the right words to say to help you through this difficult time. Losing Beth is devastating. We were friends for over 35 years and I’m going to miss her terribly. I’m sending love and prayers to all of you.
Mary Sue Whitelaw
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Beth will be remembered as a beautiful, gentle soul and a dear friend. She gave many hours of her time to Holy Sews Ministry helping to make burial clothing for stillborn babies. She promoted this cause wherever her travels took her. Her fellow volunteers will miss her smile and her infectious spirit and love for life. Rest in peace, dear friend of the heart.