Shirley Ann Kester

Shirley went to be with her Lord on November 23, 2024. She was born Shirley Ann Rogers on November 25, 1931, in Miami, Florida, to parents Herbert and Mattie Rogers; her father owned auto parts stores. She grew up in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami and was active in the Allapattah Baptist Church from the age of three. Shirley attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in religious studies and French. On August 8, 1953, after her graduation, she married Billy Gene Kester. She and Bill lived in various cities in the United States as Bill was in the Navy for 21 years. Bill retired from the Navy in 1967, and they moved to Tampa where they were active members of the First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace. Shirley served in various teaching positions at the church and for 17 years she was the pastor’s secretary. Bill died in 2006 after their happy marriage of 53 years.

Survivors include four daughters: Robin L. Kester (Edward Liebling), Kim Schweitzer (Mark), Kelly Kester, Allison Kester; three grandchildren: Sarah Hendriks (Ryan), Elizabeth Boyle (Sylas), David Schweitzer; seven great-grandchildren: Levi Hendriks, Evangeline Hendriks, Landon Hendriks, Seamus Boyle, Titus Boyle, Mathis Boyle, Beniah Schweitzer.

A one-hour visitation will be held on November 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with the funeral

service to immediately follow, at Mission Hill Church, 10002 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace,

Florida. Interment in Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa.