Shirley J. Elkins

Shirley J. Elkins, 69, of Buncombe, died at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at her home.

She was born on Aug. 31, 1949, in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of Raymond and Elizabeth Haire Manus.

On June 7, 1970, she married Jim Elkins in Buncombe.  He preceded her in death on March 21, 2000.

Survivors include her daughters, Krystal (Terry) Pierce of Metropolis and Rachel (Paul) McBride of Vienna; five grandchildren, Payton, Nathan, Macy, Briley and Hadley; a sister-in-law, Patti (Gale) Evans of Mt. Vernon; and a niece, Tiffany (Jeremy) Myers of Searcy, Ark.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Brad Elkins; a daughter, Tracy Elkins; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Halbert and Helen Elkins.

She was a 1967 graduate of the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Southern Illinois University.

She was employed by the Regional Office of Education.  She was an instructor in the adult education/GED program, as well as the Youth Alternative Education program.

She was a beautiful artist and loved to paint and draw.  She designed and collected one-of-a-kind custom dolls.  She also loved flowers and enjoyed spending time in her garden. She enjoyed quilting and was a loving grandmother.

A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Buncombe.  

Memorials can be made to the SIH Cancer Institute.

To share a memory or to leave a message of condolence for her family, visit www.baileyfh.com.

Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna was in charge of arrangements.