Mrs. Persinger was born in Covington on May 3, 1933, to Virgil Lefridge Keyser and Carrie Dell (Myers) Keyser. Shirley was a homemaker and was actively involved in the raising of five rambunctious and energetic sons during the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s (quite the achievement). Shirley was known for her excellent cooking skills and preparation of large family meals and in entertaining guests at the farm.

After raising her sons, she entered into employment working as a caretaker for the elderly and for several years as an employee for the Homestead Hotel in the snack bars at the Upper Cascade and Homestead Golf Courses. Mrs. Persinger was of the Presbyterian faith and expressed and trusted in her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Keyser, and three sisters, Anna Keyser, Nancy Baker and Frances Allison.

She is survived by her five sons, George Meredith Persinger Jr. and wife Loretta of Rockbridge Baths, Gregory Wayne Persinger and wife Phyllis of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Gary Lynn Persinger and wife Deanna of Raphine, Robert Kyle Persinger and wife Shelley of Tulsa, Okla., and John Tavenor Persinger of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; and nine grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held to honor Shirley for family and friends on a date yet to be determined.

Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www. nicelyfuneralhome.com. NG