Shirley Ann Prillwitz

Shirley Ann Prillwitz of Niles, Michigan; seamstress, crafter, devout Christian, aunt, and friend died peacefully on Saturday, May 15, 2024 at her home, having attained the age of 88 years old.

She was born on August 11, 1935 in Berrien Center, Michigan to Robert Roy and Marjorie Josephine (Atha) Prillwitz, living on the family farm in Berrien Township until moving south of Niles with her family when she was six-years-old.  She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in the same house most of her life.  She was a member of Fulkerson Park Baptist Church (now Redeemer Church) most of her adult life, after having been led there by her younger sister, Linda.

She was first employed – along with many Niles homemakers – at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company before moving to the office of her church, Fulkerson Park in the Brandywine community, south of Niles.  She served at the church for many years under the leadership of the late Pastor Larry Whiteford who had founded Fulkerson Park in 1962, which later included a school.   After his retirement in 1987, she continued to serve his successors including the Rev. Edward Villalba, and Fulkerson’s current pastor, Brian Hedges, now with the new church name, Redeemer Church.

When not at work, Shirley enjoyed her home, completing various craft projects including crochet and counted cross stitch.  She enjoyed sewing, crafting cloth dolls, and also maintained a Simplicity Pattern metal cabinet, with drawers full of patterns.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Prillwitz on March 1, 1970 and Marjorie Prillwitz on July 18, 2006; by a 20 year old sister, Linda Lou Prillwitz in 1971, and their sister, Patsy Marjorie Whisenant on December 27, 2020.  She was also preceded in death by Patsy’s husband, William Joseph Whisenant on February 4, 2014; and by a son of Patsy and Bill, William Theodore Whisenant on March 6, 2002.

Surviving family includes Shirley’s nephew, Robert (& Carrie) Whisenant of Niles; and a circle of close friends including Mary Wiggins.

The family of Shirley Prillwitz is gathering privately on Friday, June 14, 2024 at her graveside in Spring Run Cemetery in Royalton Township, Michigan for Committal Rites.  Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the Redeemer Church, 1234 Fulkerson Road in Niles, with Lead Pastor Brian Hedges officiating.   Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences and memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Shirley’s contentment at home was likely a nice – and perhaps needed – contrast with the busy office and many people at Fulkerson Park, where she managed to keep everything in order amongst the full schedule of weekly events, some concerts, detailed weddings, and quickly assisting with the funeral arrangements of her fellow church members and friends.  Her strong mind was needed for success, but always being mindful of “Thy Will Be Done”, which is the epitaph inscribed on the family monument under which she will rest.