Jean Elizabeth Shirley

Jean Elizabeth Prindle Shirley

Jean Shirley, age 89, went to be with her lord and savior on Wednesday, May 8^th 2024 at UPMC Hamot.

She was born in Erie on July 22^nd, 1934 the daughter of the late Kathryn M. Guelcher and William J. Prindle.

Jean graduated from Millcreek High School, Class of 1952.  She was a member of the National Honor Society, a Cheerleader, & then Secretary for many Class Reunions.

She was employed at Penn Brass and Copper from 1952 – 1960. Followed by Library Secretary at McDowell Intermediate High School. Finally, she was the Secretary to the Administrator of the Erie County Technical School and Skill center for 21 years from 1975 until retirement in 1996.

Jean was a very active member of Lakewood United Methodist Church for 74 Years where she was fondly known as “Mrs. Lakewood”. She sang with Lakewood’s Chancel & Praise Choirs, & was an Alto Soloist. She was past President of United Methodist Women, Circle Chair, & Member of Epilogue. Jean was Superintendent of Lakewood Sunday school & taught Sunday school for 25 years. She acted as Church Historian & Member of Koinonia.

Jean was a member of Presque Isle Chorale for 39 years. She was a long time Member of Presque Isle Garden Club & hosted many monthly events. She served as past President of PA School Retirees – Erie Chapter, &  Past President of the West Lake Fire Department Women’s’ Auxiliary. She was a Lead Usher for the Erie Playhouse & even performed in a production of King & I, in 1984. She was a Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity after her retirement.

Jean served as Judge of Elections in Millcreek. She was Member of other organizations she enjoyed: The Red Hat Ladies, Seibenberger Club Ladies Auxiliary, & belonged to The Robinson Place Association.

Jean loved music, especially singing to her Heavenly Father. She enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, traveling, her grandchildren, & grand-dogs.

“Mom” aka “Golden Grams” loved to bake homemade Apple Pies, Christmas Cookies, & her famous Chocolate Chip cookies that were well known throughout the neighborhood! She also loved to make her Lemon Squares for church functions & bake sales.

“Mom” had the most kind and gentle soul. She always had the most beautiful smile & could light up any room.  She took great joy in helping others & showed love to all she met. She cherished her Family, Church Family, and Friends & was loved by many.

 Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband John B. “Jack” Shirley, Jr. in October 2009, to whom she was married to for 56 wonderful years. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William (Bill) Prindle, as well as a sister-in-law, Janet Shomansky.

She is survived by her son, John “Jay” Shirley, III; her daughter Jeanie Shirley Elwell; her sisters Kay Corwin (Buck), & Joyce Hutchings (Bob); her brothers, Donald Prindle (Patti) and Ronald Prindle (Kathy).

She is further survived by her three grandchildren she loved to “spoil”: Robert “RJ” Elwell (Fiancé Amber), Michael, & Michelle Elwell.  Additionally, her 3 Great-Grandchildren Anabelle, Evalynn, & Claira.

She also had many Cousins, Aunts & Uncles she loved to spend time with.

Friends are invited to call on the family at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th St., Erie, on May 31^st from 5-7, and June 1^st  at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 3856 W. 10^th St., Erie, from 9 am until the time of Memorial Service there at 11. Inurnment will follow in Erie Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Lakewood Methodist Church, 3856 W.10^th St., Erie, PA 16505, Shriner’s Hospital, 1645 W.8^th St., Erie, PA 16505, Erie Humane Society Shelter to Service Program, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506, or to the Charity of ones choosing.