Jennie Shelby

Jennie Inez Armstrong was welcomed by her parents, Tony and Virdie Armstrong, in Savannah, Tennessee on November 25, 1915. She was one of eleven children. Jennie spent her childhood in Savannah and especially enjoyed spending time with her siblings, Adelaide, Harry Lee, Jewel, John Henry, Louella, Tony, Jr., L.V., and Virdie Elizabeth. They all preceded in her death along with her parents. One sister, Ruth, is still living.
Love blossomed in Savannah and Jennie married the love of her life Oscar Shelby. To this union a daughter Evelyn was born. After the birth of their child, the family moved to Dayton, Tennessee. Mr. Shelby passed away in 1984.
Sister Shelby was a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton. She sought daily to do God’s will and live for Him. Jennie served as president of the Mt. Zion Missionary Society. She was also a Sunday School teacher for many years. In addition, Sister Shelby was a member of Mt. Zion’s Usher Board for several years.
“Aunt Jennie”, as she was lovingly called, always found time to lend a loving and listening ear to those who were in need of a kind heart. She had many talents including being an excellent cook and an avid gardener. Aunt Jennie loved to crochet and enjoyed making items for others to enjoy. You never entered the Shelby home without “Aunt Jennie” offering you a slice of delectable cake.
Sister Shelby was truly a well loved and respected member of the community. She worked as a cook for the Dayton School System. She performed services as a midwife to numerous families and was a tremendous help to women before and after childbirth. Additionally, she was a caregiver to many of Dayton’s children. Sister Shelby was a member of the Eastern Star, a premier fraternal organization. She was a member of the Moderenettes, a social club whose mission includes making a difference in the community. Sister Shelby will always be remembered for touching the lives of many people.
On October 28, 2010, Jennie Shelby departed this life to her new home in Glory with her Savior. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Evelyn and devoted son-in-law David; five granddaughters, Denise Smith, Pamela (Christopher) Moy, Deborah (James) Washington, Carol (Ernest) Tooks, Tonia (Otis) Butler; eleven great-grandchildren Nikia, Kayana, Jamese, Annise, James, Darien, David, Kayin, Aliya, Jakobi and Evyn; a sister Ruth Graham of Oak Ridge, TN; a host of other family members and friends. Sister Shelby had a long-time friendship with Catherine Tulloss and Patricia (Arlanres) Horton whom the family is most grateful and especially thankful for.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Henderson officiating. Burial with a white dove release will follow at Rhea Memory Gardens.
Please visit Jennie’s on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .
The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.