Shirley Hammett

It is with profound joy and sorrow that we announce the passing of Shirley Faye Hammett (née Sadler), age 88, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas. Shirley, a loving mother and MamMaw, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on May 2, 2025.

She was born on May 10, 1936, in Portland, Arkansas, to Jasper Dean and Maude Lee Sadler.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Georgia Drennan and Freda Hale; her brothers, Vance and Steve Sadler; two sons, Alan Gourley and Paul Harmon; her daughter, Karen Lance; and her grandson, Eric Daffron.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience, remembered and celebrated by her children: two sons, David Harmon and Charles Beall of Greers Ferry, and her daughter, Lisa Weatherford (Barry), also of Greers Ferry. Her memory lives on in her nine grandchildren: Dawn Sawyer, Rachel Daffron, Jayme Gourley (Joni), Jessica Graddy, Paul Harmon (Danaa), Vanessa Harmon, Zachary Gourley (Nicole), Morgan Gourley, and Kira Knight. She was blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren—Caleb and Hayliana Gourley; Madison Daffron; Christin and Levi Tanner; Hunter and Kenley Graddy; Jayci Gourley; Cash Daffron; Paul and Shelby Harmon; Emma and Ollie Mae Gourley; Blaz and Ayra Etter; and Gypsy Doyle—as well as three great-great-grandchildren: Fisher, Bryson, and Tres. She is also survived by a host of extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply but celebrate her life with gratitude.

Shirley was raised in Parkdale and Wilmot, Arkansas, and attended Parkdale High School, where she was known for her love of learning and her talent on the basketball court. Though she left school at 16, her passion for education never faded. She was a lifelong reader, devouring any book she could find, and in 1979, proudly earned her GED at the age of 43.

She worked more than 23 years as a security guard for Tyson Foods. Retirement didn’t slow her down—Shirley continued working until the age of 82, sharing her warmth and a good breakfast with the community through Daylight Donuts and Tri-Oaks.

Music was one of Shirley’s greatest joys. She dreamed of being an opera singer and first discovered her gift for singing in church, often harmonizing with her sisters. A devoted member of Lone Star Baptist Church, Shirley continued to nurture her faith even when her health kept her from attending in person—listening to the Bible daily and staying connected to her spiritual roots.

Shirley will be remembered for her strength, her cooking, her singing, her salsa, and—above all—the deep, unconditional love she gave so freely.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at Shiloh Crossroads Church, followed by graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh Crossroads Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. www.smithfamilycares.com