Shirley Priest

By | June 10, 2021

Shirley Ann Swingle Priest, age 85, of Jackson passed away on Tuesday, June 8, at the Four Winds Nursing Facility.

Born on September 24, 1935, to Otis and Pauline Minard Swingle, Shirley grew up in Jackson with her brothers Jim, Kenny, and Frank Swingle and graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. She married well-known local businessman Jim Priest on January 21, 1956, and subsequently worked at Coll Auto Sales for 33 years as secretary, bookkeeper, and title clerk.

Shirley was known by everyone who knew her as extremely intelligent, independent, artistic, witty, and totally devoted to her family, her children, and grandchildren. In addition, she was an active participant in school, community, and civic affairs; a member of Eastern Star, Emblem Club, and Jackson area Women’s Clubs; and was a devoted fan of the Jackson Ironmen and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

After retirement, Shirley kept busy reading and painting, and could often be found selling tickets at numerous JHS sporting events.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jim Priest in 1991, and her brothers Jim and Kenny Swingle. She is survived by her children, Marcia Taylor, Paula McCall, Brenda (John) Aubrey, and Josh Rippeth (Audra Atwood); her brother Frank (Linda) Swingle; grandchildren Sarah Taylor Martin, Sean Taylor, Chelsey McCall, D.J. Washam, Morgan Washam, Kimmi Aubrey, and Kelli Aubrey; great grandchildren, Ali Rippeth, Tori and Ian Martin, Damon, Avery, Amelia, and Wyatt Taylor, and Meadow and Willow Washam; and her “most-favored” daughter–caregiver Miranda.

If a person’s life is measured by those whose lives and hearts they touch, then there can be no doubt that Shirley Priest exemplifies a “life well lived.”

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 13 at the Mayhew-Brown funeral home, with Pastor Janie Karl officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Fairmount Cemetery. Family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley name can be made to: Jackson County Heart Support Group, c/o Shirley Stover Treas. P.O. Box 925, Jackson, Ohio 45640.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com