Shirley L. Pye

1939 - 2018

BORN

1939

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Jarnigan & Son Mortuary

2823 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue

Knoxville, Tennessee

Shirley Pye Obituary

Name: Visitation for Shirley L. Pye
Start: 2018-11-26T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-11-26T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Jarnigan & Son Mortuary

Shirley L. Pye

Canton, OH

Shirley L. Pye, born November 8, 1939 in Canton, Ohio to the late Hurley Jack and Leona Shearer. Shirley fought bravely for her life without complaint or recriminations. Her life came to a close, November 17, 2018 when our Lord called her to rest from the struggles of this world.

Shirley attended Allen Elementary, then advanced to McKinley High School where she was an honor roll student thereby gaining the attention of school faculty for a higher advancement. She was the first African American student selected to attend Timken High, a predominantly White High School.

Shirley became mother and sister to her younger siblings at an early age, again without complaint despite the hardships which followed. She was an excellent cook, a talented seamstress, with a determination to rise above her humble beginnings. Without a doubt Shirley loved her sisters and brothers, her children and her husband with all her heart. She did the best she could to maintain her sense of balance in this world despite the hardships and pitfalls life threw her way. She wasn't perfect but then none of us are. Shirley gave up smoking and drinking in one day when she heard the Lord tell her she didn't need it anymore. I believe with all my heart God's love reached out to save her life from hell fire in answer to my prayer that not one of my family should suffer lost. Shirley understood God's call and gave her life to Him. We love Shirley and will miss her until we see her again.

Shirley became an employee at Lockheed Aircraft in Marrietta, GA, where she resided.

Shirley was preceded in death by two brothers, Hurley Jack Jr., Harold and Sylvia, and newborn son from a previous marriage.

She leaves to cherish her memory, loving husband, Joe L. Pye, Knoxville; daughter, Kimberly Lane, New Jersey; son, Kristopher Todd Pits, Louisville, KY; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Naydean Blanding, Ernestine Brewer, Sara Jean Shearer; four brothers, Harvey, Dale, Timothy Shearer and Sam Brewer; two foster sisters, Rosalin Pratt and Barbara Rutledge; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family will receive friends 1:00-2:00 p.m. Monday, November 26, 2018 at Jarnigan's Chapel; Celebration of Life, 2:00 p.m., Pastor Larry Keith, Presiding, Naydean Blanding, Eulogist.

Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY

www.jarnigansmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Nov. 21 to Nov. 24, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Pye

Sponsored by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.

3 Entries

Helen Waters & Family

November 26, 2018

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Arlie Wilson

November 25, 2018

Joe, please accept my deepest condolences. I am "Bill Wilson" who used to live across the street from you on Goins Dr. We wondered what happened to you and your family after you moved away. Imagine it taking a tragedy for me to find you. I hope that you had a wonderful life. I'm sure that Shirley helped and I'm sorry that she will no longer be here to make you happy. I wish you all the best. Feel free to contact me, should you remember me and my family. I used to marvel at your skating abilities.

Be well and know that I cry with you.
Bill Wilson
[email protected]