Shirley Jean Downen Rhodes, 82, of Cabot, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026. She was born July 19, 1943 in Dumas to the late Norman and Mildren Morton Downen. She graduated from Dumas High School in 1961. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Rhodes and brother, Norman "Bud" Downen, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Melody (Keith) Bitely of Tamo, Arkansas and Chella (Steve) Stivers of Cabot, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Heath Bitely, Morgan (Joey) Chastain, Cassidy (Hunter) York and Carly (Michael) Ring and two great-grandchildren (plus one on the way). Shirley also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.

Shirley was very active in her daughters' childhood years, serving as homeroom mom and team mom. Later on, she and her husband ran Rhodes Foundation Co. In addition to her involvement with her daughters and husband, she was an immaculate housekeeper and enjoyed working in her yard. Shirley was a long-time member of Dumas Church of Christ.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2026 at Monk Cemetery in Ward with Joe Cochran officiating.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the cemetery. Arrangements by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816.