Shirley Freeman Foust

Shirley Freeman Foust, 88, died May 6, 2020. She was born March 23, 1932 in Harrisburg, Arkansas to Ewell H. Freeman and Lucille Vandiver Freeman. Her father was the editor of The Modern News in Harrisburg. She weighed 3 pounds at birth, and due to her small size, her father lovingly retold a story about people asking him “Where’s Shirley?” He would then pull her out of his front pocket, and exclaim, “Here’s Shirley!”

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Foust, brother, Charles Van Freeman, sisters Bettye Fullerton, Patsy Carpenter, and daughter Mary Iris Roy.

She is survived by one brother, Dr. Robert King Freeman, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, daughter Candace Foust Cobb, son Roger Foust, both of Jonesboro. Grandsons, Jason Foust and wife Anh of Jonesboro, Jake Roy and wife Rebecca of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Max Roy of Austin, Texas, Granddaughter Tracy Childers and husband Daniel of Maumelle. Three great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Sydney Childers of Maumelle, and Dillon Childers of Rogers, Arkansas.

Shirley’s Earthly life was spent preparing for a Heavenly one. She was a lifelong educator, and began the first special education class in Poinsett County. She taught special education for 10 years. In 1960, the Foust family moved to Jonesboro Arkansas for Jimmy to take over Kenward’s Flower Shop. Shirley attended Arkansas State University and acquired an elementary education degree. Several years later she obtained her Master’s degree in special education. As an educator she taught at the Cottage of Hope, Lepanto Elementary School, and 24 years as a reading teacher in the Harrisburg Public Schools.

One of the greatest highlights from her lengthy teaching career was being selected by the University of Virginia to travel to China. During her 17 days in China she visited numerous schools throughout the country with a small number of educators. She taught teachers in China how reading was taught in the United States, and she was taught how reading was taught in China. This trip had a profound impact on her life.

Shirley and Jimmy joined the First Baptist Church upon their arrival to Jonesboro in 1960. Over the past 60 years Shirley has loved serving in a number of capacities at First Baptist Church. She was chosen to be in charge of the flower arrangements for Sunday services, which the Foust’s did faithfully for numerous decades. Shirley was a member of Home Link, and ministered to people who were unable to attend church. After she retired from teaching, she became a member of the Women’s Missionary Union at First Baptist.

Shirley loved music, and at First Baptist she served as the choir leader for the 3 year old’s for 15 years, and taught her grandchildren. She joined the Sanctuary Choir, and was a devoted member for 50 years.

She was a member of the Treble Clef Club, and served as President twice. Additionally, Shirley served as District President, and was elected to be the Arkansas State Treble Clef President. Throughout her tenure with the music club she was involved with private music teachers, public schools, and universities to encourage and expand music appreciation throughout the community and surrounding areas. As her health began to fail, she continued to assist with the drawing contest that the elementary schools held in connection with the Treble Clef Music Club.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, JWH Chapter #2607. She was a member of the Northeast Arkansas Historical Society, and served as Secretary for 13 years. She loved to write, and an autobiography that she wrote of Joy Ledbetter was published in the Mosaic Magazine .  Shirley shared a love of sports with her son, Roger. Faithfully watching or attending Arkansas State University, and Arkansas Razorback games. She also loved the St. Louis Cardinals.

Most of all Shirley loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never met a stranger. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her.  It is difficult to describe this beautiful woman in just a few words as her passing leaves a giant void in the lives of many. It is important to note that she was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.

For lasting memorials, please consider donating to the Treble Clef Club.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 1:00 pm, at Jonesboro Memorial Park.