Shirley Ann (Kaufman) Whitley, age 87, of Bismarck, passed from this life on Sunday April 14, 2024, at CHI St. Vincents in Hot Springs. She was born on August 15, 1936, in El Paso, TX, the daughter of the late Leon and Clara Gardner Kaufman. Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Austin High School. She was a member of Caney Missionary Baptist Church and the Ladies bible study group. Shirley enjoyed bird watching and viewing Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Thurman Whitley, and one son, Gary Leon Whitley.

Shirley is survived by one son, Jimmy D. Whitley (June) of Bismarck, three daughters, Donna Hartsell (Vernon) of Donaldson, Kathy Bennett (David) of Malvern, Cheryl Tugwell (Kregg) of Donaldson, one sister, Mary Burks of Baton Rouge, eight grandchildren, Shane Hartsell, Brandon Hartsell, Joshua Loy, Bradley Loy, Jason Tugwell, Brandi Kyzer, Shawna Meyers, Tyler Whitley, and eighteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday April 18, 2024, at Caney Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Ralph Ruffin, Bro. Brian Harris and Bro. Fred Etheridge officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.

Interment will be at Caney Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Shane Hartsell, Brandon Hartsell, Josh Loy, Brad Loy, Jason Tugwell and Tyler Whitley.

Memorials can be made to Caney Missionary Baptist Church.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.