Shirley Thomas Brown
Dec 7, 1938 - Jul 2nd, 2023- Birth Date: Dec 7, 1938
- Death Date: Jul 2, 2023
- Funeral Date: Jul 13, 2023, 10:00 am
- Location: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
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Biography:
Shirley Thomas Brown passed away peacefully in her home, with family by her side, on July 2, 2023, following a 35-year battle with cancer and later COPD. Though her health had been failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, and joy for life kept her pushing through the pain. Through her, we know what determination and resilience truly look like. There was just no stopping Shirley.
Shirley was born on December 7, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to parents Roy and Erma Ludwig, along with her beloved older brother Gary. She grew up in Des Moines and later Kansas City, graduating from Shawnee Mission High School in 1956. She attended the University of Kansas, where she met Jack Thomas. They married in August of 1957, when she was only 18 years old. She worked various jobs while Jack earned his law degree and began his early career as a Navy JAG officer. While stationed at the Pentagon, Shirley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a mother when Cindy was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Shortly after Cindy’s birth, the family moved to Little Rock, which became their cherished home and birthplace for Jill. Shirley was happiest as the central figure and supporter in the lives of her husband and daughters. She filled her days as a homeroom mom, carpool mom, cheer mom, tennis mom, snack bar mom, brownie troop leader, Bible and Sunday school teacher, and countless other roles. Anyone who knew the Thomas family could see Shirley was a star in their eyes, and that was all that truly mattered to her.
Jack and Shirley were just getting used to their "empty nest" when he passed away suddenly in 1988. In the summer of 1991, a mutual friend introduced Shirley to widowed Rear Admiral (ret) Taylor Brown, and they married the following year. In their almost 20 years together before his passing in 2011, they traveled the world playing golf and visiting friends, children, and grandchildren. Shirley, affectionately known as "Noni," and Taylor were happy in their golden years together. They loved celebrating holidays and hosting dinners when family came to visit.
Shirley is survived by daughters Cindy Thomas Pugh (Tom) and Jill Thomas McIntyre (Andy), grandchildren Jeff McIntyre, Jordan McIntyre D’Angelo (Dom), Elsie Pugh, and Jaclyn Pugh, bonus daughters Leslie Heitz (Bill) and Diane Weaver (Tim), and their treasured children and grandchildren. Always stylish, often feisty, and never afraid, "Noni" was quick with a joke or comeback, especially on the golf course or at the card table. She will be most remembered for her overwhelming generosity and the abundance of joy she brought to those who knew her.
The family extends their deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis and Dr. Hanan Mahkoul, the hospice staff of Gentiva Health Services, caregiver Velma Robinson, and Shirley’s many cherished friends and neighbors. It was Shirley’s desire to honor the physicians she grew close to over the past 7 years who helped give her precious bonus time with family and friends. Memorial gifts may be made to the UAMS Foundation Fund, 4301 W. Markham St., #716, Little Rock, AR 72205.
There will be a visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 12th, from 5 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 13th, at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.
Condolences(09)
DeVonda Byrd
#9
Jul 12th, 2023 9:17 am
Shirley was always a bright light and a very strong person. She will be missed.
The Ludwig’s
#8
Jul 11th, 2023 8:41 pm
We will remember Aunt Shirley as the strong, loyal, determined, and caring spirit she was. She will remain in our stories and memories and continue to inspire us. I am sure she is with Dad now and they are having a lively discussion.
Love you both, Cindy and Jill, we are thinking of you.
Bryan, Elisabeth, Zachary, and Julia
Love you both, Cindy and Jill, we are thinking of you.
Bryan, Elisabeth, Zachary, and Julia
Beth Streeter (Ludwig)
#7
Jul 10th, 2023 9:27 am
Thinking of you all and sending love. Im feeling so very thankful for the time I got to spend with Aunt Shirley last summer and hearing the stories of her and my dads’ upbringing. She was a smart and strong and generous person- May she rest in peace.
Susan Jones Boe
#6
Jul 9th, 2023 12:53 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hoping happy memories fill your hearts with grace.
Karen ludwig
#5
Jul 8th, 2023 7:38 pm
Shirley was my sister in law but more importantly my friend. I loved her like a sister and we shared many a fun time. She fought a tough battle with cancer and stayed positive. I will miss her dearly.
With love to all the family.
Karen
With love to all the family.
Karen
Andrea & Mallory Buford
#4
Jul 8th, 2023 10:30 am
Your mom must have been a phenomenal women to have raised such a lovely family. Hold your memories tight and celebrate her life. Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts. Andrea & Mallory
Diane R Brown
#3
Jul 7th, 2023 1:20 pm
Many loving thoughts go out to all of you
Roy Dudley
#2
Jul 6th, 2023 6:23 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. ‘Often feisty’ is great description and one of the reasons she was a favorite of mine. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Fernanda
#1
Jul 5th, 2023 6:31 pm
I’m so sorry Jill. Sending many hugs and all my love to you and your family.