METROPOLIS, Ill. — Shirlee Pritchett (Nee Braun), 81 years old, of Metropolis, Ill., passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Lourdes hospital in Paducah, Ky.

She was born October 12, 1931, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of John C. and Travis (Greenwell) Braun.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved daughter, Sharon L. Donovan.

Shirlee leaves behind her loving husband, Frank; dearest sister, Marian Eime; and dear brother, David Braun; she also leaves behind her cherished granddaughter (and subsequently adopted daughter), Jennifer (John) Eklund and adored great-granddaughters, Addison and Ellery Eklund; and precious great-grandson, Liam Eklund; as well as many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Shirlee was notable for her popular women’s clothing store, The Fashion Tree, in Metropolis. Following the closing of her clothing business, she taught business education classes at Joppa High School for 12 years until her retirement in 1996. Following her retirement from the high school, she also taught business classes for a number of years at Shawnee Community College Metro Center. Shirlee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, and touched the lives of all she knew.

Funeral services will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Metropolis on Friday, February 15, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. David Deem officiating.

Interment will follow at Massac Memorial Gardens, Metropolis, Ill.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis, Ill., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2601 North Ave., Metropolis, IL 62960.