
In Loving Memory
SJ
Shirley Jean Spencer
September 11, 1950 — March 23, 2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Jean Spencer on March 23, 2026, at the age of 75. Shirley left this world surrounded by love at Circle of Life Hospice, concluding a life filled with warmth, kindness, and cherished memories.
Born on September 11, 1950, in the quaint town of Wallace, North Carolina, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Billy and Beulah Willis. She was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her, a testament to the nurturing spirit instilled in her by her late parents. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her son-in-law, Jeff Watson.
Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Robert Spencer. Together, they crafted a beautiful life, rich with shared experiences and enduring memories. Their love story serves as a timeless inspiration to all who knew them.
A proud graduate of Springdale High School's class of 1968, Shirley pursued her passion for physical education and dance at the University of Arkansas. Her dedication to these fields was evident in her career, first as a beloved PE teacher at Elmdale Elementary, where she inspired countless young minds, and later as one of Arkansas's pioneering female pharmacy technicians at the VA Hospital. Shirley's professional journey was marked by her commitment to excellence and her trailblazing spirit.
Family was always at the heart of Shirley's life. She leaves behind her daughters, Cindy Eagleman and husband Stacey of West Plains, MO, and Amy Watson of Springdale, AR, who carry forward her legacy of compassion and love. Her granddaughters, Whitney Brandenburg and husband Casey, and Kayla Brink and husband Jamie, both of Durham, AR, were the joy of her life, along with her cherished great-grandchildren: Madison, Grayson, and Payson Brandenburg, and Kynlee and Easton Brink.
Shirley's zest for life was reflected in her many hobbies and interests. She had a profound love for scrapbooking, arts and crafts, baking, and dancing. Her creations were not just crafts but heartfelt treasures, and her baked goods brought comfort and joy to many gatherings. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, a quality that endeared her to all and made her a cherished friend to many.
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on March 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Sisco Funeral Home. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Shirley are invited to join in honoring her memory and celebrating the beautiful life she lived.
In this time of mourning, we find solace in the lasting impact Shirley had on those around her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.