Shirley Crider Benthal

Shirley Crider (Benthal) was born January 6,1936 in Steel, Missouri to Cletious Berry (Pete) Crider and Beulah Lee Dennison. She died peacefully surrounded by family on January 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee, four days after her 89th birthday. She was married to Dalmas Oneil Benthal on April 12, 1952. In their 52-year marriage, they relocated from Missouri and raised five children in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. Shirley was a kind-hearted, considerate, generous, hard-working, strong-willed woman with a sweet disposition and a caring nature. She had an indomitable spirit, was dedicated to raising strong, independent children and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge to improve her life and the lives of others. After most of her children were grown, she earned her BFA in Education from Delta State University, traveling an hour each way on a part-time schedule. She taught in the Arkansas school system for almost 20 years. She was an avid reader and life-long learner, taught students with learning differences proudly charting their improvements, subscribed to children's reading programs for the great-grandchildren and read every John Grisham book shortly after its release. In medical reports she received, she would often circle words she didn't know and then write their definitions in the margin. To the delight of her children, Shirley had a wonderfully witty sense of humor, many times to the surprise of her friends, nursing assistants, and attending physicians ~ she may have also seen life through rose-colored glasses She was most dedicated to her faithful walk; always studying scripture, seeking the guidance and company of church family, and searching for ways to be of service to others. Whether making dishes for a potluck, attending services/classes, or going on mission trips, it was the place she loved, and belonged. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Dalmas Oneil Benthal, daughter Sherrlan (Sherry) Ray, and son Allen Dale Benthal. She is survived by three children, Cynthia (Tom) Pittman of Memphis, TN; Steve (Teresa) Benthal of Crestview FL., and daughter Michelle (Russell) Frias of Chandler, AZ; nine grandchildren: Carol, Chuck, Amber, Steven Jr., Joseph, Brian, Gabriele, Alyssa, Brandon and fourteen great-grandchildren: Rob, Cissye, Micah, Mark, Jeremiah, Noa, Jace, Jameson, Amiyah, Daegan, Zander, Charles Allen, Juniper and Ember The Celebration of Life Memorial Reception/s will be Friday, January 31st as follows: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Hernando Church of Christ, 2110 Hwy 51 South, Hernando, Mississippi [ In lieu of Flowers for the Hernando Memorial, please donate in Shirley's memory to the church's Sardis Lake Christian Youth Camp or their Mission Program] 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Twin City Church of Christ, 1615 West Hwy 49, West Helena, Arkansas 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sunset Memorial Park graveside service, 5671 - 5683 US 49, West Helena, Arkansas Flowers may be sent to Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 508 Plaza Ave., West Helena, AR