Doris Elene Shackelford (93) of Walnut Ridge passed from this life into the presence of the Lord on December 30th, 2025, at Lawrence Hall in Walnut Ridge, AR.
Born in Holly Grove, AR, on September 30th, 1932 to the late James and Ilene (Sanders) Yelvington, Doris was a graduate of Holly Grove High School and went on to attend Harding University. Her colorful and varied career included being a reporter for The Brinkley Argus, a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell, a bookkeeper, a business owner, and a homemaker. She proudly worked at Smith Implement in Walnut Ridge for 30 years before retiring to become a full-time grandma and enjoy hobbies such as bowling, traveling, reading, and social activities. A faithful member of Hoxie and Main Street Church of Christ, Doris is remembered as a good friend and excellent cook.
In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her brother, James Yelvington.
She leaves behind a rich legacy of family who will greatly miss her, including her two sons, Dr. Robert (Karen) Shackelford of Smithville, AR, and Lance (Raquel) Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR; Twelve grandchildren: Rachel (Friedric) Tarkington of Smithville, AR; Rebekah (LJ) Bryant of Jonesboro, AR; Sarrah (Zach) Owens of Bono, AR; Hannah Shackelford (Sam) Zang of Little Rock, AR; Abigail (Matt) McWhorter of Port Alsworth, AK; Reid (Cami) Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR; Luke (Hannah) Shackelford of Durham, NC; Silas Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR; Titus Jon Shackelford of Smithville, AR; Sydney Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR; Jacob Shackelford of Smithville, AR; and Sophie Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR; and twelve great-grandchildren: Eric, Jett, Felicity, R.L. Dabney, Jon Peter, Theodore, and Lydia Tarkington of Smithville, AR; Lyla Bryant of Jonesboro, AR; Kaisyn, Jaxon, and Kash Owens of Bono, AR; and Bear Shackelford of Jonesboro, AR. And special friend like family, Nancy Medlock of Walnut Ridge, AR.
Doris was a wonderful woman of strong faith who loved her Savior, her family, and her friends well. She gave all who knew her a rich gift of warm humor, engaging storytelling, and good food. To her sons, she imparted a legacy of perseverance and support; to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a heritage of faith, unconditional love, and memorable feasts. She leaves behind a place that can never be filled and an eternal hope of reunion through salvation in Christ alone.
As per her request, there will be no funeral service but a private celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Tanalian Bible Camp tanalianbiblecamp.org/give/Select “staff support” then “McWhorters.”
Or mail checks to PO Box 176 Port Alsworth, AK 99653 with “McWhorters” in the memo section.