Frances Shirlene (Austin) Cook passed away on October 21, 2026, in Paragould, Arkansas, at the age of 88. She was born on May 6, 1938, in Paragould, Arkansas.

Shirlene graduated from Crowley’s Ridge Academy and attended Harding University. She worked at Sears and was known as a family-oriented woman whose life was centered on the people she loved most. She attended Commissary Church of Christ and carried that faith with her throughout her life.

She found happiness in being outdoors and especially enjoyed working in her flower garden. Those simple and steady joys reflected her nature. Above all, her grandchildren were her joy, and her family remained at the heart of her life.

Shirlene is lovingly survived by her son, Anthony Cook; her brothers, Larrell Austin and Harrell Austin (Alice); her sister, Lana Jean (Robert); her sister-in-law, Connie Austin; her grandchildren, Shawntay Wilson and Matthew Cook; and her great-grandchildren, Isaiah Cook, Landon Cook, Ridge Wilson, and Noah Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Betty Austin; her brother, Darrell Austin; her sister, Jean Chunn; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Austin.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home. A procession will leave Phillips Funeral Home for a graveside service with Art Smith officiating that will follow at 3:30 PM at Pine Knot Cemetery.

Anthony Cook, Matthew Cook, Isaiah Cook, Landon Cook, and Zachary Wilson will serve as pallbearers. Darran Austin, Darrak Austin, Darrell Michael Austin, Todd Austin, Trent Austin, Terry Austin, Cam Chunn, Keith Chunn, and Logan Jean will serve as honorary pallbearers.