Shirley E. Pryor

Shirley Elliott Pryor was born on July 13, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Elliott Smith and Annie Lou (Askew) Smith. She was the baby of the family to three sisters, Dolores Nisby, Ridgley Logan, and Sylvia Smith.  She was baptized as a child at Calvary Baptist Church and had a very strong faith in the Lord. She was educated in the Pittsburgh Public School system. She attended Fifth Avenue High School and graduated from Westinghouse High School after her family moved from the Hill District to Homewood. She met and married Fred Pryor. Out of this union, they had one daughter, Sylvia and two sons Fred Jr. and Mark.

After high school, she did some modeling around Pittsburgh and worked at Presbyterian Hospital. She was a stay-at-home wife/mother for 28 years. She worked for the Carnegie library in Oakland for 15 years before retiring in 2004.

She was an active member of Petra International Ministries Church for 35 years. After the death of her son, Mark, and as her health declined and limited her mobility, she became a member of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church 2 years ago, which was across the street from her home. Once she moved into Heritage Place in Squirrel Hill, she enjoyed visits, phone calls, cards, flowers and prayers from both of the beloved churches that she called home. 

She was a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Justice Unity Generosity Service Organization, know as J.U.G.S. J.U.G.S  is a non-profit organization geared towards community engagement and service. J.U.G.S set the standard for charitable organizations in Pittsburgh, receiving several accommodations such as civic responsibility awards, community service awards and community recognition for fundraising and donations.  She planned and participated in annual fundraising events such as the Living Ad Ball. Over the years, the ladies formed an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and family that spanned their lifetimes. 

She was a kind, warm-hearted soul who found joy in the simple yet meaningful moments of life. She cherished time with her family.  She had a love for shopping and always carried herself with elegance, known for her impeccable style and grace. She loved attending luncheons, yoga, and jazz concerts and spending time with dear friends. Her warmth, poise, and gentle presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elliott Smith and Annie Lou (Askew) Smith; her Husband, Fred Douglas Pryor; her son, Mark Elliott Pryor; Sisters, Dolores Irene Nisby, Ridgley Delrita Logan, and Sylvia Ann Smith. Sister- in-law: Jean Sumpter-Curry. Brothers-in-law: Ronnie Pryor, Jimmy Pryor.

She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Sylvia Ewing (Duane), son Fred Pryor Jr., Grandchildren Fred Pryor, Ebonie Pryor, Marc Pryor, Laurence Pryor,  Marcus Pryor, Michael Pryor, Dr. Ariana Ewing-Huberty (Sam), and Haley Ewing. Sister-in-laws: Donna Pryor, Faye Pryor. Nieces: Marsha Dorsey (Paul), Janice Rivers, Dawn Nisby, Debbie Whitlock (Pastor Lance), Lydia Taylor and Rhonda Maxwell (Bret). Bonus Niece: Sylvia Robinson (Michael). Nephews: Shawn Nisby, Lloyd Logan, Jimmy Pryor (Trina), and Jerry Sumpter. Great grandchildren: Shidee Lasure, Daujenae Pryor, Armani-Dior Pryor, Marc Pryor Jr, Robert Pryor, Kendrick Pryor, Kendasia Pryor, Kayden Pryor, Ahmaud Morrison, Blake Huberty, and arriving soon, baby Mason Huberty, special devoted girlfriends: Ann Kenderson, Gigi Page and Mary Alyce Haddock, along with a host of family and friends.

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