Mrs. Shirley Jacobs Pescia's Obituary
Graveside Service for Mrs. Shirley Jacobs Pescia, 86, of Wilsonville, will be Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 am EST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Vicar Ben Smith will officiate.
Mrs. Pescia was called to her heavenly home on March 3, 2026. Born on May 6, 1939, in the quaint town of Dullingham, England to William Leslie Jacobs and Thelma E.L. Davey Jacobs Pennington, Shirley's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the love she cultivated around her. She passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Wilsonville, surrounded by the love of her family on what would have been her 41st wedding anniversary.
She first traveled to America in 1959 with her husband, who was in the United States Air Force. Their service brought them back and forth from England to America for many years before they settled in Columbus, GA. She gained her U.S. Citizenship in 1989. Some of her fondest memories were when she and her husband Giulio lived in Ozark, AL, where they lived from 1987 until 2023.
Shirley's life was marked by her dedication to her Christian faith, which guided her every step. She was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, where she served with grace and humility. Her commitment to her church community was evident in her actions and the gentle way she lived her life, always embodying the teachings of Christ.
Professionally, Shirley was the cornerstone of an orthopaedic surgery center, where she managed the office with efficiency and care for many years. Her earlier years in hotel management showcased her exceptional organizational skills and her natural ability to make everyone feel welcome. She also served as the cruise director aboard the Riverboat Jubilee in Columbus, GA where she met her husband, Giulio. Shirley's work ethic was matched only by her compassion for those she served.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shirley's interests were as rich and varied as the tapestry of her life. She found solace in the pages of books, tending to her garden with a tender touch, and the rhythmic dance of her knitting needles. Her love for travel took her on many adventures, each one an opportunity to embrace new experiences and create lasting memories.
Shirley was a proud member of the Anchor Community Respite Program at Asbury Methodist Church. She looked forward to attending every day, many times saying it was the highlight of her day.
As we bid farewell to Shirley, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She walked this earth with the light of Christ shining through her, and now she rests in the eternal peace of His presence. Shirley Jacobs Pescia will be dearly missed, yet her spirit will forever remain a guiding light in the hearts of her loved ones.
She is survived by her children, Gail L. (David) Rhodes, John R. (Mirtha) Kelley, Jr., and Hellene K. (Benjamin) Preston; stepdaughters, Giuliana (Drew) McCullum and Melessa (Jeff) Harper; grandchildren, Christina E. (Jared) Tidwell and Cole (Katie) Preston; granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Joseph D. Rhodes, David N. Rhodes, IV, Lucas Benjamin Rhodes, and Ezekiel Evan Rhodes; siblings, Maureen D. (Bob) Mull, Brian C. Jacobs, Leslie (Joyce) Jacobs, Ellery (Laura) Pennington, Edward Pennington, and Kimberly Pennington; sisters-in-law, Michelle Pescia (Keith) Jackson and Anna Pescia Tabler.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Leslie Jacobs; step-father, Eston Gale Pennington; mother, Thelma E.L. Davey Jacobs Pennington; husband, Giulio Michael Pescia; and grandson, David N. Rhodes, III.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anchor Community Respite Program at Asbury Methodist Church 6690 Cahaba Valley Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Jacobs Pescia.
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