February 22, 1927 – January 24, 2020
Edith affectionately known as “Edie” was born in Joliet, IL on February 22, 1927. She attended George Washington Carver Elementary School in Fulton, MO, Lincoln High School in Jefferson City, MO and Sumner Junior College in Kansas City, KS.
Edith met and married her husband Thomas “Buddy” Shelby and together they welcomed their only child – their pride and joy son Michael C. Shelby.
Edie spent most of her adult life in New York, working as a supervisor at ABC-7 NY, Shell Oil and a law firm before retiring to Kissimmee, FL.
In the late 1990’s Edie relocated back to the Joliet area after being reunited with her brother George Richardson following 67 years of separation after being adopted by different families. Edith settled in the Joliet/Lockport Township area and volunteered as a foster grandparent at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, she loved playing Scrabble and enjoyed spending time with her newly found friends and extended family, especially those at Second Baptist Church.
Edie was loved by many and her memory will forever be cherished. Awaiting her arrival in heaven were her husband Thomas, brother, George, sister-in-law, Clarice, nephews, Clarence Williams and Bobby Landry.
A loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Edith is survived by her son, Michael (Safia) Shelby. Grandchildren - Donzell Evans, Yasmine Shelby, Ayishah Shelby, Jihad Shelby all of New York, Gabriel Murrell of Florida and 3 great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces, Victoria Mabry of Lockport, IL, Deborah (Rev. Marcus) Washington of LaGrange, IL and nephews, Terry Landry of Las Vegas, NV, Daryl Landry of Lockport, IL, Brian (Yvette) Richardson of San Marcos, TX and a host of family and friends including Richard Poston, Mary Watson and The Churchill Family.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of the Joliet Area Community Hospice, Rev. Larry V. Tyler, the congregation of Second Baptist Church and everyone who showed an act of kindness during our time of bereavement. Your thoughts, prayers, support and love will forever be appreciated. Blessings to each and every one of you.
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