Cynthia Kay Wise Shell

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May 16th, 2017

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Death Date: May 16, 2017

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Biography: Cynthia Kay Wise Shell, 57, of Little Rock, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017. Cynthia, the youngest of three children, was born March 25, 1960 in Malvern, Arkansas, to Dr. John Doyle Wise and Anne Robinson Wise. After graduating from Malvern Senior High School, she attended the University of Central Arkansas where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1986, and pursued a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. In 1980, Cynthia married her college sweetheart David Barnes Shell in Conway, Arkansas. Cynthia and David remained united in marriage for 37 years and had two children. Throughout her life, Cynthia was active in her community, volunteering for numerous local charitable organizations and an active member of Temple B'nai Israel. She served as President of Temple B'nai Israel Sisterhood, taught for many years in the Temple B'nai Israel Sunday School, was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also involved in the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. Cynthia was an avid traveler, writer and yoga enthusiast, practicing her yoga for years at the Yoga Studio of Little Rock. Cynthia leaves behind her beloved husband, David; her daughter, Katherine and her husband, Floyd Benson of Southaven, Mississippi; her son, Matthew Shell of Memphis, Tennessee; her brother, John Wise, Jr and his wife, Ronda of Batesville, Arkansas; her sister, Melody Anne Wise of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her nephew, Christopher Burns and his wife, Phyllis of Searcy, Arkansas; her nephew, Brandon Burns and his wife, Marie of Gainesville, Florida; her nephew, J.R. Wise and his wife, Amber of Lynchburg, Virginia; and her niece, Carol Wise of Batesville, Arkansas. A private burial for family will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Temple B'nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas on Monday, May 22nd, 2017. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made in Cynthia's name to The Little Rock Animal Village at 4500 Kramer Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 or Care For Animals, Inc. at 5516 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(15)

Carla

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Please accept my condolences on the loss of Cynthia. May your memory of her comfort your heart and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Paula Kerr

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Still so shocked to hear just now of Cynthia's passing. I've known her many, many years,having being so good to my children and family. She was wise beyond her years and cared for so many people both physically and spiritually. We lost touch a few years through life events and geographic moves, but I always felt connected to her in one way or another. My heartfelt condolences to David, Katherine, Matthew and their families. Much love to you all.

Kymber Stipe

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My incredible friend who I loved dearly, Cynthia, was always by my side through great times and challenging times. We met when I started going to her for massage, and we became fast friends. Over the years we would regularly meet for tea and laugh about the latest family shenanigans. Having multiple types of animals in my household, she would say, ?A good day in your house is when no one gets eaten.? She accompanied me to all of my appointments when I was going through my breast cancer ordeal, taking notes in a journal that included a photo of my family on the inside cover with the caption, ?These people love you?, and offering me encouragement, knowledge, and love. Cynthia loved my children, often joking that we needed to take the little one as our chaperone when we wanted to see a ?kid? movie, and giving me much needed insight into my eldest daughter?s free spirited ways. I will miss her beyond belief. I am a better person to have known her, and my heart is broken that our time on this earth has ended. However, I will find great joy in seeing her live on through her children who have her same great qualities. Until we meet again, RIP my beloved friend.

Stacy piggee

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was at work this morning at the nurses station when I came across Cynthia's picture and was blindsided. We met through Cliff many moons ago she was a dear friend to help me with my new diagnosis of Crohns disease. We kept in touch and she served as a wealth of knowledge, support and laughter. She loved you guys and made no bones about it. I wish I had followed through and called when she popped in my head. She is resting now. May the rest of you have comfort during this time. I am going to miss my friend.

Laura E. Joseph

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My thoughts and prayers are with Cynthia's family. Cynthia was one of my best friends who listened and never judged me. I am very thankful that I saw David at Kroger many years ago and rekindled my friendship with Cynthia. Right now, I believe Cynthia is in Heaven watching a movie with her dogs. I will always cherish the memory of us going to Little Rock Animal Village together, and Cynthia adopting a dog whom she later named Winston.

Kenneth Brown

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I have know David and Cynthia since our days at UCA. I was saddened to learn of her passing and my thoughts and prayers for her families well being.

Jimmy Dale Malone

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

"All your life you wondered-what's up there in the sky,
past the stars, beyond any kind of life we know-and now it
thrills me to the bone-to know-that you know, the Great Unknown."

Cynthia was both my teacher and my pupil, she taught me things about this horrible blood disorder that we both have-things they don't/can't put in a book for directions on how to be human while suffering daily from an inhuman disease, she had learned how to be joyful, funny, caring for others and even cute, and she'd suffered so much longer than I. I'm not that cool about it-i twist and shout and even yell sometimes! But I've done better under her ever criticizing eye! She, in turn, wanted to learn what it's like to be in my size 14 shoes, as if she could do that! She was the real deal-caring and looking to see if she could help, and she did help me a lot, even though she sometimes thought I wasn't listening! She left her mark on us all and will be sorely missed-I write this while gazing at "her" empty chair! Cynthia I will continue our fight and will never let your suffering be for naught. Jimmy

Linda Baker

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear of Cynthia's passing. She was a wonderful neighbor and we will miss her very much. Prayers go out toward the family at this difficult time.

Michael Head

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm sad to know Mrs. Shell is gone.Never afraid of a road trip, Mrs. Shell always had such a great and upbeat personality. I vividly remember how proud she was of her children. One such memory was her telling me how proud she was of them. How she didn't worry about them, as she knew she had raised them with solid foundations. I was shocked then saddened when I heard the news yesterday. My heart goes out to the family.

ALDA ELLIS

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Thinking of you in your loss, and prayers of comfort to your hurting heart.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand...hugs & much love,
Alda

Bonnie & Sam Nickol

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We send our condolences to all of you. I will remember Cynthia with that winning smile and warmth whenever I saw her. It never seemed to matter how she was feeling; she was joyful for another day.

We hope your happy memories can sustain you throughout the days ahead.

With our love.

Melissa Perkins

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We, the staff at St Vincent Infirmary Medical Outpatient Infusion Center offers our deepest condolences to you all. Please know that Cynthia was not just a patient, she was family and we will miss her dearly. Also, please know that as you mourn , we will mourn with you and as you pray, we too, will be praying with you and for you. On behalf of Debi, Iola, Laura, Linda and myself (Melissa), it was both an honor and privilege to know and care for Cynthia.

Mahaffey Tent & Event Rentals

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

From the entire team at Mahaffey, we are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers!

Alesa Garner

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The Oncology staff of 7E at St. Vincent extends our deepest sympathy to the Shell family. It was our privilege to care for Cynthia.
May God' peace be with you all.

Rev Cindy Goza

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Cynthia. She was such an intelligent and vibrant person who deeply loved her family. I hope you can sense the comfort of God in the midst of this difficult time.

Cynthia Kay Wise Shell

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