Shirley J. Plymire's Obituary
PLYMIRE, Shirley J., age 83, of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Clinton Memorial Hospital.
Shirley was a member of the Olive Branch United Methodist Church. She graduated from Waynesville High School, class of ’57. For many years, she volunteered at Your Father’s Kitchen in Wilmington, cooking and providing meals for those in need.
Hardworking, supportive, and loving, Shirley always exhibited exceptional integrity and honesty throughout her life. She married into a farmer’s family and lived most of her married life in Columbus. She was known for immense generosity, often providing groceries to those less fortunate and taking meals to those sick. She always enjoyed good competition from her school days as a scholar and an athlete, where she excelled in basketball and softball. Her competitiveness carried over to family fun and activities while playing sports during her adult years. Watching NCAA basketball and rooting on her beloved Cincinnati Reds was a favorite pastime. She loved the outdoors, especially working in her yard and vegetable gardening. After moving back to the family farm, she especially loved caring for the cattle. An avid reader, Shirley especially loved suspense, history, and mystery novels. Growing up in the era of Elvis Presley and rock and roll, music became a passion, which translated over to various genres and eras of music. While she had a quiet personality, she loved dancing and having fun.
One of her favorite hobbies included travel. Her husband worked for Eastern Airlines, which awarded her, Harley, and their kids the ability to fly worldwide. Some of her favorite destinations included several countries in Europe, especially her favorite Germany, and anywhere with a beach. The Caribbean Islands, specifically St. Thomas, was a favorite destination.
She was an excellent cook and will be remembered especially for her amazing coffee cake and fudge. Anytime she supported a public event, Shirley would take her delicious pecan pie for others to enjoy, which will always be remembered fondly. In addition, she made excellent jelly and jams that everyone enjoyed. She took great pride in baking for her husband and always had something ready for him to enjoy during their years together.
Shirley adored kids. During her younger days, she babysat several children in the community, which resulted in numerous lifelong family relationships that she cherished. Her love of children spread to her kids, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews over the years, which she greatly enjoyed. She loved spending time with them by taking them out to the garden, picking berries, and going to their sporting events. Growing up in a family that was not wealthy, Shirley made sure that the Christmas season was special for her children. She paid into a Christmas Club all year to provide an amazing holiday for the kids. each year in terms of gifts, which she loved. In addition, it was tradition for Shirley to host the family Easter holiday celebration with her side of the family each year, which she also enjoyed and took pride in. After cooking and ensuring everyone was fed, she ensured that the day ended in card games for a fun family competition.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley, in 2017; her parents, John and Mildred Copas; three brothers, Jerry, Ronnie, and Dave Copas; and two sisters, Linda Lewis and Rita Lowe. She is survived by three daughters, Kimberlee Duffy, Kristina Plymire, and Lori (Steve) Laird; two grandchildren, Tessa (Joe) Ivey and Eric Duffy; one brother, Steve Copas; two sisters, Nancy (Charles) Livingston and Sharon Copas; and brother-in-law Charles Lowe.
The family will receive friends 5 - 7 PM Monday, June 6, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following the visitation at 7 PM Monday, with Steve Copas leading the service. If desired and in Shirley’s memory, contributions may be made to Your Father’s Kitchen in Wilmington. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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