Shirley Shankles, age 84, passed away at her home on May 5, 2024 after a period of declining health.  Born on May 28, 1939 in Central Tennessee outside of Nashville, she graduated from Gordonsville High School and then joined the United States Air Force.  She was honorably discharged and moved to Jackson Parish in 1960.  In February of 1969 she married her husband of 55 years, Jerry Shankles.  In 1972, she graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a master's degree in English.  In 1973, she started teaching at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, where she spent 35 years teaching English.  She always took a special interest in each student and dedicated herself to their education.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Jerry Shankles of Jonesboro; son, Russell Hill (Michelle) of Quitman; daughter, Amanda Shankles of Jonesboro; brother, Bill Hunt (Doris) of Bay City, Michigan; grandson, Andrew Hill (Toni) of Nacogdoches, Texas; granddaughter, Emily Hill of Ruston; in-laws, Betty Wyatt of Jonesboro and Donald and Mary Shankles of Ruston; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Buff Hunt; stepmother, Rita Smith; nephew, Bill Hunt, Jr.; in-laws, Maxine and Edward Hughes, Joy and Bub Haile, Billy Wyatt and Jane Hughes.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro.  The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Reverend Brian McAllister and Reverend Randy Dark will officiate.  Burial will be at Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery in Jonesboro.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Ed Rich, Bobby Lyles, Perry Hawkins, Gary Black, Johnny Templeton, Richard Tew, Ken Hartsfield and Glynn Saulters.