Lucy L. Shurtleff

Lucy L. Shurtleff, 89, of Bearden passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Christus St. Michaels in Texarkana. She was born April 6, 1934 in Bearden, Arkansas to the late Virgil R. Cathey and Ruby L. Simpson Cathey. After graduating from Thornton High School, she married William Shurtleff whom she met while waitressing at a Bearden diner ran by her mother and aunt. After moving for Bill’s work for several years, Lucy and Bill settled back in Thornton, where Lucy became a member of Thornton First Baptist Church. Lucy was a dedicated, faithful church member for over 54 years at Thornton First Baptist and was loved deeply by her church family. Dedication and loyalty were defining characteristics of her life which was also prevalent in her daily work. Lucy worked for General Dynamics for over 25 years as a line supervisor. After being retired for several years and being a caregiver for her husband and her mother in their final years of life, she went back to work part-time as the manager of the Bearden Public Library for over 10 years. Lucy's final years were spent at Silver Oaks Nursing Home and Rehab.
Lucy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William "Bill" Shurtleff of 47 years, sister Mary Hopkins, sister Helen Willson and brother-in-law William Willson. She is survived by her brother, Larry R. Cathey of Bearden; brother-in-law David Hopkins of Bearden; niece Kaye Baird of Bearden, nephew Johnny Hopkins and wife Carol of Bearden, nephew Keith Willson and wife, Leah of Mountain Home, and niece Brigette Rose and husband, Mark of Bossier City, La; three great nephews and one great niece and four great great nephews.
The family wishes to thank Lucy’s church family at Thornton First Baptist for their unwavering love and support and also Gentiva Hospice. Visitation will be Monday at 1:00 pm immediately followed by the service at 2:00 pm at Benton Funeral Chapel in Fordyce with Rev. Matt McManus officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Don Young, Danny McManus, Robbie Word, Chad Word, John Henry, and Mark Rose. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .