Shirley Thomas Brown passed away peacefully in her home, with family by her side, on July 2, 2023, following a 35-year battle with cancer and later COPD. Though her health had been failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, and joy for life kept her pushing through the pain. Through her, we know what determination and resilience truly look like. There was just no stopping Shirley.
Shirley was born on December 7, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to parents Roy and Erma Ludwig, along with her beloved older brother Gary. She grew up in Des Moines and later Kansas City, graduating from Shawnee Mission High School in 1956. She attended the University of Kansas, where she met Jack Thomas. They married in August of 1957, when she was only 18 years old. She worked various jobs while Jack earned his law degree and began his early career as a Navy JAG officer. While stationed at the Pentagon, Shirley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a mother when Cindy was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Shortly after Cindy’s birth, the family moved to Little Rock, which became their cherished home and birthplace for Jill. Shirley was happiest as the central figure and supporter in the lives of her husband and daughters. She filled her days as a homeroom mom, carpool mom, cheer mom, tennis mom, snack bar mom, brownie troop leader, Bible and Sunday school teacher, and countless other roles. Anyone who knew the Thomas family could see Shirley was a star in their eyes, and that was all that truly mattered to her.
Jack and Shirley were just getting used to their "empty nest" when he passed away suddenly in 1988. In the summer of 1991, a mutual friend introduced Shirley to widowed Rear Admiral (ret) Taylor Brown, and they married the following year. In their almost 20 years together before his passing in 2011, they traveled the world playing golf and visiting friends, children, and grandchildren. Shirley, affectionately known as "Noni," and Taylor were happy in their golden years together. They loved celebrating holidays and hosting dinners when family came to visit.
Shirley is survived by daughters Cindy Thomas Pugh (Tom) and Jill Thomas McIntyre (Andy), grandchildren Jeff McIntyre, Jordan McIntyre D’Angelo (Dom), Elsie Pugh, and Jaclyn Pugh, bonus daughters Leslie Heitz (Bill) and Diane Weaver (Tim), and their treasured children and grandchildren. Always stylish, often feisty, and never afraid, "Noni" was quick with a joke or comeback, especially on the golf course or at the card table. She will be most remembered for her overwhelming generosity and the abundance of joy she brought to those who knew her.
The family extends their deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis and Dr. Hanan Mahkoul, the hospice staff of Gentiva Health Services, caregiver Velma Robinson, and Shirley’s many cherished friends and neighbors. It was Shirley’s desire to honor the physicians she grew close to over the past 7 years who helped give her precious bonus time with family and friends. Memorial gifts may be made to the UAMS Foundation Fund, 4301 W. Markham St., #716, Little Rock, AR 72205.
