Shirley Ann Jagger

Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Shirley Jagger was a humble woman whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in the family she cherished more than life itself. A lifelong resident of the community she loved, she was genuine, approachable, and kindhearted, which all drew others near with ease. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her greatest reward and richest blessing. Everything she did, she did with all her heart and to the best of her ability as well. Guided by an unwavering faith, Shirley exemplified what it means to be a woman after Gods own heart. Life will never be the same without her here, but her timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

As the heat of the summer held the city of Greenville, South Carolina, firmly in its grip in August of 1931, Roy E. and Edna L. (Lewis) Duncan were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on August 24th when the baby girl they named Shirley Ann drew her first breath in the nearby city of Greer. Her father was the manager of Blue Bell, a denim manufacturer, which required their family to travel during Shirleys youngest years. She enjoyed playing in the woods and the streams near their home. While still a young girl, the Duncan family settled in Columbia City, Indiana, where she remained for the rest of her life. Shirley attended local schools including Columbia City High School from which she graduated.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Shirleys introduction to the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span 65 years. His name was Guy Jagger, and as the story goes Shirley thought he was quite handsome and was a bit smitten. She often sent him notes that were dropped off or passed to him by her girlfriends during class, and they soon began dating. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Shirley and Guy were married on June 24, 1949, shortly after high school.

As a young newlywed, Shirleys husband was involved in a farming accident, which took his right arm. Throughout the time he was in the hospital, Shirley seldom left his side except to care for their eighth month old son, Jim. Their son was later joined by their two daughters, Kathy and Cheryl.

In February 1951, Shirley and Guy were able to purchase a farm in Whitley County, which they named the Jagger Hereford Farm. They had both cattle and grain, and although the farm was predominately Guys career, it also meant a lot to Shirley as her heart and soul was in the farm. It is still in operation today, although renamed and owned by their grandson, Rob Schuman. Their property was so beautiful, and it also included a pond that Guy made for her using his bulldozer. Shirley could often be found out working in her garden and tending to the flowers.

Shirley began her career with the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce. She then served as the school secretary to the principal of Columbia City Joint High School.

It was during this period as a secretary and when her youngest child was in elementary school, Shirley decided to go back to school. With the full support of her husband, she earned her bachelors degree from St. Francis University, Fort Wayne in just three years. Shirley continued her education, earning her masters degree in education in 1968. She was always so proud of this fantastic accomplishment

From there, Shirley began her teaching career, and over the years she taught at Central Noble Middle School, Washington Center, Huntington North High School, and for many years she taught English and Spanish and was a guidance counselor at Wabash High School. Shirley was so much more, however, as she often organized and directed school trips to Mexico with her Spanish Club. Her dedication to her work at Wabash was easy to see as she made the drive that was more than 90 miles to and from work no matter what kind of weather she drove through. Shirley was always one of the first ones to arrive, too.

Despite her devotion to her career, first and foremost in Shirleys life was always her family, and her heart and soul always encompassed the Jagger family farm. She also treasured her community. For years she was a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren, and she had currently been a member of First Church of God. Shirley was also a member of Philomathean, Coterie, Indiana State Teachers Association, and Delta Theta Tau. After more than 60 years on the farm, Shirley and Guy moved to Sycamore Village in 2012.

Shirley Jagger will be remembered for her love for caffeine free diet Pepsi, her love for her farm, her dedication to her work, and her devotion to her community, but it will be her unending adoration for her family that will be her lasting legacy. She lived fully in each moment she was given and was content in whatever life brought, embracing both the peaks and the valleys as they came. Shirley made a significant impact in the lives of everyone she met and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Shirley Ann Jagger, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Sycamore Village, Allen County. Shirleys family includes her husband, Guy Jagger; children, Jim (Jayne) Jagger of South Whitley, Kathy (Tim) Cook and Cheryl (Bob) Schuman both of Columbia City; a sister, Susie (Don) Sexton of Columbia City; brother-in-law, Charles Mac McBride of Youngstown, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Chad (Kristin) Fry, Travis (Regan) Fry, Rob (Sarah) Schuman, Sonja (Mason) Bordner, Shelbie (Brandon) Holler, Jason (Amy) Jagger and Jarred (Daidra) Jagger; and 18 great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Sarah McBride.

Visitation will be held on 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the funeral home. Pastor Brandon Holler of First Church of God will be officiating. Burial will follow at Blue River Cemetery, Thorncreek Township. Memorial donations may be given in Shirleys memory to First Church of God.