Shirley Ann Vanderslice passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas, after a sudden illness.
Shirley Bell was born in Hugo, Oklahoma, in 1944 to Daniel and Jessie Bell. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Texarkana, Arkansas, where she planted deep roots and built a life defined by devotion to family, work, and community.
In Texarkana, she met Jerome McArthur "Mac" Vanderslice, and the two were married until his death in 2012.
Shirley was a woman of strong convictions and wide-ranging passions. Early in life, she developed a love for dance. She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, fiercely loyal to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Her love of the outdoors began in childhood—her father raised nightcrawlers and taught her to fish, a pastime she enjoyed throughout her life.
An entrepreneur at heart, Shirley and Mac owned and operated several businesses, ranging from a grocery store to catfish and barbecue restaurants. Her favorite venture began with the acquisition of a small flower shop in Texarkana. She relocated the business to a larger space and grew it into one of the area's finest florist and nursery operations. She created beautiful arrangements for countless events across Texarkana. Her floral career notably included a guest appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, where she shared her signature humor while teaching David Letterman the art of floral design.
She also dedicated much of her life to meaningful work in a variety of roles, including serving as a stenographer at Red River Army Depot during the Vietnam War, a librarian at Texarkana Community College, an executive assistant and project coordinator with the American Heart Association in Dallas, Texas, and a program manager for the Tobacco Cessation & Cardiovascular Disease Collaborative. She concluded her professional career as an administrative specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Faith and service were central to Shirley's life. A devoted Methodist, she was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana and later Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Her Sunday School class, Round Table, became a second family. She was also a dedicated volunteer and an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, where she formed lasting friendships and gave generously of her time and talents.
Above all, Shirley took immense pride in her daughters, Cynthia and Debbie, and found great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Nana."
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome McArthur "Mac" Vanderslice. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Jones and her husband, Chip; her daughter Debbie Vanderslice; her granddaughters, Edy Addison (Gibbons) and Hannah Milhorn (Greg); and her three great-grandsons, Shepherd, Raleigh, and Cruz.
Shirley will be remembered for her strength, her spirited personality, her deep love for her family, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.
In keeping with Shirley's wishes, please support your local florist and send flowers to someone you love.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Pulaski Heights United  Methodist Church in Little Rock.