Shirley C. Pryor

Shirley C. Pryor, daughter of Arthur Reed and Essie McFarland Reed, was born on October 10, 1936, in Pittsburgh PA. Shirley grew up in the Hill District which at the time of her birth was known as “Little Harlem,” and “the crossroads of the world.” As a child, her parents raised their children, Donald, Franklin, Shirley, Melvin, Irvin, Arthur, and Betty to “stick together.” This strong family bond prompted Shirley to live her life with family at the forefront of her core values.

Shirley attended Fifth Avenue High School. In 1956, while visiting her cousin at her home, Shirley met Leroy Pryor. Leroy and Shirley wed on November 10, 1957. They added 6 children to their union – three sons, and three daughters.

Through the years, Shirley worked at Sun Drugs Pharmacy, worked as a crossing guard, and served as an assembly line worker for 20 years at Nabisco Food Company.

Shirley knew how to play the piano and could twirl a baton with ease. She enjoyed watching QVC and the Home Shopping Network, purchasing numerous gifts, and school supplies for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her down-to-earth nature made her very easy to talk to, and each member of her family developed a special bond with her.

Each Christmas in the Pryor home was always filled with a sea of Christmas lights, a gigantic Christmas tree with royal blue ornaments, plenty of gifts, music, laughter, delicious sweet potato pies, ham, and lots of love. Shirley provided all of this because of her love for creating harmony and joy within her family. Her upbringing in the Hill District, listening to the sounds of musicians such as George Benson, caused her to develop a deep love for music. She often would play Motown hits and would dance and sing around her home. Her favorite song was “Let’s get it on,” by Marvin Gaye. The song’s smooth, doo-wop sound would give her a jolt of energy, sending her into a trance that would energize her to seize the day.

Shirley will be remembered as the matriarch of the Pryor family. She was a classy, stunning, and thoughtful woman, who put her family first.

Shirley passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 12, 2021.

Shirley is survived by her husband Leroy Pryor, and children, Leroy Pryor Jr., Roger Pryor (Renee), Renae Young (Bruce), Larry Pryor (Vera), Shirley Ann Pryor, and Pamela Pryor. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Annalisa Pryor, Denita Mack, Roger Pryor II, Richard Pryor, Tavara Walters, Shameia Shirley, Bernard Moore, Janae Young, and great-grandchildren, Martaeya Hill, Armoni Roberts, Airee Roberts, Annia Pryor-Pittrell, Cordae Pittrell Jr., Jaleayah Scott-Pryor, Jordan Scott-Pryor, Kamden Hutchinson, Kaylo Russell, Javon Shirley, Ja’shone Shirley, Jamyla Shirley, Torreek Hester Jr, and many of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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