SHIRLEY GENE “NANA” CARRIGAN,
age 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior September 14, 2021, surrounded by her family. Shirley was born on April 7, 1945, to Benjamin Bussell and Helen L (Davis) Bussell. She graduated from Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. Shirley retired after closing her beloved antique shop, W. Douglas Antiques out of Denton, Texas, in 2015.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin Bussell; mother, Helen Bussell, sister, Ellen McNeill: her son, William Douglas Lee Jr., and her dear cat, Mr. Buddy. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Carrigan; her daughter, Laurie Lee; granddaughters, Margaret Ann Henley (Cody Henley) and Hannah Cummings; great-grandchildren, William and Benjamin; stepchildren, John Carrigan, Allison Webber and Valerie Van Gorp, and numerous other family members. We would be remiss not to mention Nana’s fur babies-cats, Lacie and Callie.
Shirley had a passion for Jesus, her faith was foundational and evident in her life. She shared her love for Christ with everyone. Shirley’s tales were those of legend, she lived by the philosophy, “Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story”. She adored her family. Nana loved her husband Tom, her world traveling companion, who filled her life with joy and was ever present to shepherd her ice packs, pillows and tea. She counseled her daughter Laurie on pending national crises, shared numerous memes and Snopes checked “fake news”. She cherished her grandchildren, Margaret Ann, affectionately known as Red Ruby and Hannah, who kept Nana’s parenting skills at the forefront of her strong persona. She was known for her Xbox expertise, fancy tea parties, and “snack” food accommodations, especially Cinnabons. William, her first great-grandson captured her heart immediately being a curly headed bundle of energy followed closely by Benjamin who she was not able to spoil as often due to Covid-19.
She was a passionate patriot that believed in standing up for what is right-as her many Facebook friends can attest! They looked to her for her vast political knowledge, which she shared liberally, although she was an uber conservative. Her sage advice was sought by “millions” who also found themselves, at times, on the receiving end of her brutal honesty.
She touched many lives through her generosity and love. She will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 2 p.m., on Sunday, September 19, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 6707 Dollarway Road, White Hall, Ark., 71602. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Maumelle Country Club, located at 100 Club Manor Drive, Maumelle, Ark., 72113. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Mayo Clinic, https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal