Shirley Demple Cato

Shirley Demple Cato, 87 of Jonesboro, widow of Charles “Poss” Cato, passed from this life, Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville to the late Richard and Lucille Blocker Coburn, she was a 1952 graduate of Leachville High School and had lived most of her life in the Leachville and Monette areas. Following high school Shirley went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree and later her Master’s Degree in Education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Mrs. Shirley was a career educator having worked for Leachville Public Schools and later Buffalo Island Central Schools. She spent most of her career as an elementary teacher but also served as principal at Buffalo Island East Elementary for several years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Leachville. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harlon Coburn.

Survivors include one son, Monty Montgomery (Donna) of Jonesboro; one daughter, Mitzi Pierce (Chris) of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Tyson Wallace, Kellen Pierce (Kim), Natalie Bellamy (Chris), Cade Gathright (Haley), Tieraney Gathright;.and her great-grandchildren, Vivi Wallace, Noah Bellamy, and Mia Pierce. She also leaves one brother, Dickie Coburn of Monette; one sister Teresa Apple of Leachville; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville. Burial will follow in Monette Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Tyson Wallace, Kellen Pierce, Chris Bellamy, Cade Gathright, Tate Apple and Todd Apple.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.