We are sad to announce the passing of Shirley Kay (Brawner) Knuckles, 86. Shirley passed peacefully from this life to the next July 17, 2023, at Jamestown Nursing and Rehab, in Rogers, Ark. She was born on February 1, 1937, in St. Francis, Ark., and was the daughter of the late James Barney and Opal (Moore) Brawner.

Shirley was married to James H Wright for 19 years. He preceded her in death in 1971. She later married Frank Knuckles and they were married for 38 years. He preceded her in death in 2012. She and Frank loved to travel and play golf. She was a longtime resident of Piggott, Ark., a devoted wife, mother, and business owner. Shirley was a longtime member of the Sugar Creek Country Club and served as a Board Member of the Piggott Library. She was an avid reader/book worm and loved the game of golf and the companionship of many friends. She loved her church and enjoyed the fellowship of believers at the Methodist Church in St. Francis. In her latter years she became a resident of Rogers, Ark., near her son and grandchildren. She lived there for the past 20 years.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, John Gregory Wright; two brothers, James Brawner, Jr., Michael Brawner; and sister, Janice (Brawner) Heffner.

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Gary Brad Wright and wife Candace, of Rogers, Ark., James Lewis Wright and wife Laverne, of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren: James Bradley Wright, Brent Wright, Courtney (Wright) Licause, and Dylan Wright; eight great-grandchildren: Ethan Wright, Ashton Wright, Marissa Wright, Cody Wright, Jaxon Wright, Harper Licause, Isabelle Licause, and Blakely Licause; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Hoggard & Sons Chapel in Piggott with Danny Self officiating. Burial was in Hall Cemetery near St. Francis. Pallbearers were Fred Ort, Dylan Wright, James Bradley Wright, Taylor Licause, Don Roeder, and Larry Gatewood. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements. Visitation was from 1 until 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of her late beloved son, John Gregory Wright, who died of leukemia at age 12.