Shirley Files Grizzle passed away on August 10, 2022, in Dallas, TX.  Shirley was born August 7, 1938, in Jonesboro, AR.  She graduated from Trumann High School in 1956 and attended Arkansas State University where she met Charles W. "Punk" Files.  They were married on July 21, 1957.  Shirley held many positions (including driving a school bus!) while working for the Brinkley School system for over 30 years.  She retired from being the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.  She always said what she enjoyed most was contact with the students.

Shirley could brighten up a room just by walking into it. She never met a stranger and really knew how to make people feel special.  She was also an amazing cook!  She never knew what "Punk" might bring home; crawdads from the fishponds, a rattlesnake he "caught" or the game (big or small) from a hunt, but no matter what he provided she was always game to cook it.  She was also a magician at stretching a meal.  She had to be!  Since everyone knew what a great cook she was, one never knew who would show up – just in time for dinner or supper – knowing they would be welcomed with open arms! She was also well known for creating amazing works of art by searching out beautiful pieces of wood and then adorning them with feathers, decorative birds, and butterflies. Many of these now brighten the homes of family and friends.

Shirley thrived on being with family and friends, whether it was at home, shopping, or traveling.  She also loved dressing up at the slightest excuse.  Shirley was a life-long Dallas Cowboys fan and often sported a Cowboys sweatshirt on game days.  She loved to "go" whether it was close by (for lunch at El Fenix or the dining room at El Dorado), shopping at the Dollar Tree or the mall, or traveling far afield to a beach, the bright lights of New York City or even Rome.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Geraldine Faulkner; her first husband Charles "Punk" Files; her second husband William "Dub" Grizzle; her brother James "Butch" Faulkner; and her eldest son Mark Files.  Shirley is survived by Mark's widow, Deborah Files; her daughter Leigh Files and Leigh's husband, Eric Sweeney; two sons: Cliff Files and his wife Kim Files, and Dana Files and his fiancé Chi Bennett; and five grandchildren: Kelli, Gunnar, Drake, Charles, and Madison; four great-grandchildren: Brooklynn, Weston, Brynlee, and Barrett; and her beloved fur-baby Silky.

We would like to recognize Deborah for selflessly devoting her time and energy for weeks on end tending to Shirley's needs and comfort.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 18 ^th at 2pm at the Brinkley Convention Center, 1501 Weatherby Dr, Brinkley, AR 72021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA or Underdog Rescue of Arkansas (PayPal UnderdogRescueAr@gmail.com).