Shirley Anne Clarke Chewning

Shirley Anne Clarke Chewning, “Mums”, was born February 8, 1933, and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 29, 2025, at the age of 92, at Butterfield Trail Village, Fayetteville, AR. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a Bible camp as a child. She was the daughter of Roger Evans Clarke, and Lula Garland (Chiles) Clarke of Fredericksburg, VA. She is survived by her brother, Roger Evans Clarke Jr (Frances) and sister, Beverly Newlin (Donald); her three children Karen Chewning Schoch (Timothy) of Glenside, PA., John Jeffrey Chewning (Susan) of Summers, AR, and David Clarke Chewning, of Waco, TX; seven grandchildren David Barnard, Rachel Barnard, Ruth Barnard, Rebekah Chewning Kirk, Samuel Chewning, Sarah Chewning Foster and John Chewning; and eight great grandchildren. Her loving husband of fifty-nine years, Richard “Dick” Chewning predeceased her on February 17, 2015. After receiving her teaching degree from Randolph Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, VA, and teaching for a year, Shirley married Dick in 1955. She supported Dick's further education at the University of Virginia and the University of Washington in many ways, but was especially proud of typing, proofing and editing his papers. A teaching position at the University of Richmond landed them in Richmond, VA, where they raised their children for thirty years. They worshiped and served at Stony Point Presbyterian Church. One unique way Shirley served and loved people was by spearheading and providing wedding receptions for couples marrying within the church. She loved being involved with events where food was served, and people could be social. Shirley's gift of hospitality and generosity flowed into hosting many college students in their home over the years, including holidays and InterVarsity events. A lifelong involvement with the Christian Women's Club began in Richmond and continued through the different places she lived. Her heart's desire was to introduce women to the love of Christ and teach them about His love through small group Bible Studies. Shirley was also involved in the Girl Scouts on a variety of levels. When her children were teenagers, she pursued a Master of Education at VCU to better understand learning differences and dyslexia, which she was active in working with for many years. Special family vacation times included spending a couple of weeks in the summer in Montreat, NC, at the Presbyterian Conference Center, where her family camped by the mountain stream and participated in the Conference Center's family activities. Shirley provided meals for the family under the rhododendron on a Coleman stove. These precious experiences of vacationing at Montreat have been passed down to subsequent generations. In 1985, Shirley's next life adventure was a move to Waco, TX, with Dick's acceptance of a position at Baylor. She continued using her gift of hospitality and loving the people around her. She added a new way of teaching the next generation the love of God by being involved with Awana Children's ministry at their church. During the Waco years, Dick and Shirley lovingly and intentionally reached out to each of their seven grandchildren and took them on a “big trip with Mums and Pops”, which the grandchildren helped plan in their 11th year, with the trip occurring the next summer. Semi-retirement from Baylor, and a move to John Brown University, brought Dick and Shirley to Northwest AR, to be nearer to family. In 2008, they moved to Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. Shirley continued serving her Lord and the people around her, and until her death, remained a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, AR. She participated in various Bible Studies, organized a National Day of Prayer event at Butterfield, and became involved with Samaritan's Purse. Shirley found a niche by becoming extremely involved in the Butterfield recycling program by sorting and smashing cans and preparing paper bags for recycling newspapers. She was also involved in a Brain Teasers Group and posted a sheet of games weekly for her fellow residents' enjoyment. Making banana and beer bread for her family and fellow residents gave her great joy. Shirley was gifted in identifying the needs of others and helping make things better for those around her. Her attention to detail was a blessing to those whose needs she met. She was always looking outward, reaching out, and helping. She desired to connect with people in activities and plug them in, whether in the church or community. She worked hard at communication and wanted to pass along helpful information. Truly, Shirley's whole life was compelled by John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” She strove to love the Lord her God with all her heart, and through His love, to love other people. Shirley's loving, nurturing, and gentle spirit will be missed by many whose lives she touched. Events associated with the celebration of God's love for Shirley will include: Visitation – 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 6th at the Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, AR; Graveside Service – 9:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7th at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, AR; Funeral Service – 11:30 AM on Wednesday, May 7th, Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), Fayetteville, AR. Memorials may be made to The Deacons Fund, c/o Covenant Presbyterian Church, 4511 W. Wedington Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. The family would like to thank the Healthcare Team and Support Staff at Butterfield Trail Village for their care and support as she completed her race.

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Shirley Anne Clarke Chewning

February 8, 1933 - April 29, 2025