Shirley Mae Pruitt

Shirley was born on October 14, 1937, in Casper, Wyoming, to Walter E. and Leona Specht Kearns. She was one of eight children, the youngest of five daughters, followed by three younger brothers. While Shirley was in elementary school, her family moved to Jamesport, Missouri, where her father purchased a newspaper business now known as the Tri-County Weekly. Shirley helped at the newspaper alongside her family while also caring for her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Growing up in a musical family, Shirley developed a lifelong love of music. In high school, she enjoyed playing the clarinet in the school band and singing at church and in music competitions. She had a beautiful soprano voice and especially loved singing solos, duets, and trios, often alongside her sisters. Her love of music extended to the dance floor, where she especially loved dancing the jitterbug.

In 1955, Shirley graduated from Jamesport High School. Following graduation, she moved to Kansas City for a short time before relocating to Kirksville, Missouri. She attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, where she studied business administration. During this time, she worked in various clerical positions. Her world changed when she was persuaded to attend a dance with members of the U.S. Air Force. This is where she met the love of her life, Raymond J. Pruitt, Jr. She followed him to Florida, and they married August 31, 1962. They bought a house in Altamonte Springs and welcomed three children – Karen, Kenneth and Cynthia.

Shirley was a quiet and unassuming woman who gave generously of herself to her family and close friends. Her nurturing spirit and gentle nature made her a devoted mother and loving grandmother. She found joy in supporting her husband’s and children’s adventures, welcoming exchange students into her home, inviting those who didn’t have family to join hers for holiday dinners, and in later years, caring for her grandchildren. She had a passion for gardening, especially orchids, and reading, and always loved ice cream and dancing.

Shirley remained in the same Altamonte Springs home for more than 60 years until she needed additional care. She then moved in with her daughter, Cynthia and her family, where she was lovingly cared for and comfortable. Shirley eventually moved to Summerland Senior Living, where she received compassionate care during her final days.

She is survived her daughters, Karen Wallace (Kirk) and Cynthia McWilliams (Steven); six grandchildren, Ian, Anna (Jakeal), Alexa, Emme, Halle and Colin, and one great-granddaughter, Ruby. She is also survived by her sister, Kathryn Gervais and two brothers, Patrick Kearns and Walter Kearns.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, Raymond; her son Kenneth; three sisters, Mary Ann Kimberling, Esther Rainey, and Georgie Dawkins; and one brother Bob Kearns.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 8, at the Venue on Lake Lily located at 641 Maitland Ave. S., Maitland, Florida. Family and friends are invited to join us to remember and celebrate her life. We invite guests to wear blue or incorporate blue into their attire as it was her favorite color. Shirley will later be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park alongside her husband and son.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (ADRC), 1470 Gene St., Winter Park, Florida.