Biography: Shirley Bartlett Koonce, 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on September 25, 2023. Born in Delaware, February 21,1935, Shirley was the daughter of Earl and Dorothy Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Earl Johnson Jr. (Buddy), Leslie Johnson (Butch), and James Johnson, as well as her husband Henry Koonce and son, Michael Bartlett (Sue) of Owensboro, KY.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Linda Megay of Schwenksville, PA, children Lawrence Bartlett, Monett, MO, Joan Bartlett Courtney, James Tim Bartlett (Dian), Alfred Kelly Bartlett (Edie), all of Little Rock, AR, Ann Bartlett Slaughter (Jim), Azle, TX, Shirley C. Koonce, Maumelle, AR, Theresa Ceballos Indianapolis, Indiana, Anna Marie Ramirez, Wisconsin, Linda Koonce, Joliet, Illinois, Henry W. Koonce, Florida, many grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Shirley graduated Highpoint High School, Highpoint, North Carolina in 1951 and later attended the University of Hawaii.
Marrying Glen Bartlett, they made Little Rock their home in the 1950's. Shirley worked multiple jobs including Welcome Wagon, Dan Cowling Architects, joining Women in Construction before retiring from UAMS. She remarried to Henry Koonce in 1980 at Holy Souls Catholic Church and they moved to Hot Springs Village in 1990 . Embarking on a new career she worked selling real estate, enjoyed the Lioness Club, Democratic Club, playing with the Village Carillons Handbell Choir, golf & attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She returned to Little Rock after Henry 's passing to be closer to family, enjoying the last 7 years being a part of the Forest Place Apartments family with her 2 constant feline companions Shadow & Buddy.

A "Celebration of Life" for Shirley will be held on December 16th, 2023, from 1-3pm at US Pizza Hillcrest Party Room, 2710 Kavanaugh Little Rock, AR 72205. We invite everyone to please join us in remembering and honoring Shirley's life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Neighbor to Neighbor, a charitable organization helping others.
Shirley Bartlett Koonce will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Cremation by Ruebel Funeral Home, Internment at Scott Cemetery Mt Pine, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com