Shirley Faye Sanders

"Well done, good and faithful servant" - with grateful hearts, we honor and celebrate the life of Shirley.  A loving woman of faith, who faithfully served God, cherished her family and friends, and who share His love through her words and actions.

Shirley Faye Sanders passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 88 in her home. She was born on December 13, 1937, in Austin, Arkansas to Elmer and Ruby Champlin.

She lived a life defined by hard work, kindness, strength and unwavering devotion to those she loved (or those in need). Always willing to lend a helping hand, she touched countless lives through her generosity, compassion and genuine care for others.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of Ward, Arkansas and was awarded “Citizen of the Year” honor two years in a row. She loved her community and was always willing to help anyone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ruby Champlin; her husband of forty-two years L. D. Sanders; sisters Rosie Langford (Bill), Norma Crutchfield and Phyllis Morris; brother-in-law, Doyne Plummer; daughter-in-law Linda Sanders; and great granddaughter River Roberts.

Shirley is survived by her children Ronnie Sanders of Ward and Susie (Dwight) Gold of Lonoke; grandchildren Wendy (Craig) Dozier, Waylon (Amanda) Gold, Chris Mann and Amy (Bo) Roberts; nine great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; sister Betty Plummer of Cabot; brothers-in-law Bill Crutchfield of Ward and David Morris of Beebe; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, June 10th at 10 AM at First Baptist Church, Ward, Arkansas and burial at Sixteenth Section Cemetery. All family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Food Pantry or the Community Food Pantry, Ward or donate to your local food pantry. Shirley always wanted people to have plenty to eat.

To view the online register: www.smithfamilycares.com