Shirley Thompson Seegars

Shirley Thompson Seegars, left this world on Saturday, August 13, 2022, to be with her husband and partner of over 70 years, Dr. James “Jim” Edward Seegars. She was undoubtedly welcomed to heaven with open arms and an enthusiastic “well done, good and faithful servant.”

She was born in Opelika, AL on July 11, 1935, to Haskell Osborne (Patti) Bryant and loved by her stepfather, Delmas (Tops) Bryant. She was predeceased by one sister, Evanthia Jean (Penny) Beahm.

Shirl the Pearl, as she was affectionately known, viewed the world around her through rosed-colored glasses, seeing only the good in people. She was an avid listener, spending countless hours with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends (especially her Bridge group and “The Whiny Winos”). Shirley and Jim built a family on the foundation of unconditional love and Sunday dinners. “Sundays at Granny’s” were full of joy, laughter, dancing, swimming, cercies, ice cream sandwiches, and most importantly family. After church, the crowd could hit 30+. No invites. No RSVP’s. Yet, everyone left with a full belly and a full heart, always feeling like they were her favorite. Shirley was a living example of God’s grace. Her husband Jim proposed to her on Christmas Eve in 1952 at the altar of Holy Communion Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. Jim and Shirley grew together in their faith and were deeply devoted to the Church of the Advent, where they were lifelong parishioners and cherished members.

Shirley is survived by her seven children: Susan Harrison (Don), Kathy Coffey (Ed), Kim Clayton (Ziggy), Dana Phillips (Lee), Jamie Brock, Jeannie Tate (Brian), and Jay Seegars (Anna); their fifteen grand-children: Nathan and Drew Harrison; Chase, Justin and Tyler (Wang) Coffey; Gash, Bryant and Jamie Clayton; Ali and James Brock; Evie and Maron Tate; Cate, Mason and James Seegars. Also, surviving are their thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her compassion, kindness, and spunk live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

The life of Shirley Seegars will be celebrated in a private service at The Church of the Advent.

The family would also like to thank Shirley’s wonderful doctors, Dr. Alwine and Dr. Kilburn, as well as Regional Hospice for the love and care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the charity of your choice and spend a Sunday with the ones you love.