Shirley Marie Simerley

Shirley Marie Kyzer Simerley, 76, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on August 29, 1949, to the late Johnny and Rose Nell Kyzer, she lived a life marked by warmth, hard work, and a genuine love for people.

Shirley retired from the Pulaski County Special School District after many years as a school bus driver. She cared deeply for the students she transported and took great pride in ensuring they arrived safely each day. She also spent many years selling produce at the Little Rock Farmers Market, where she enjoyed visiting with customers and sharing stories with everyone she met.

Known for never meeting a stranger, Shirley loved talking with people and helping whenever she could. No one could tell a joke or spin a story quite like she could, and her laughter and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tonya Marie Simerley Penn, and son, Joey Simerley; brothers Johnny (Sonny) Kyzer, David Kyzer, and Jimmy Kyzer; and sisters Betty Harvey, Verna Joyner, Jane Reynolds, and Rebecca (Becky) Kyzer. Shirley is survived by her siblings, Elaine Scudder, Tony Kyzer, Glenda Fletcher, Linda Heffner, and Johnnie Sue Sherman. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.