Born on December 6, 1938, to the late Wilton and Jeanne Hebert Derouen, Shirley was one of three children and spent her formative years on the beautiful Avery Island—a place that would shape her generous spirit and love for community. It was there that she began a lifelong tradition of opening her heart and home to others. Whether it was a warm cup of coffee, a homemade snack, or her famous popcorn balls at Halloween, Shirley made everyone feel welcome.
A true social butterfly, Shirley cherished her daily coffee gatherings and Pokeno games with the other women on the island. Her joy came from being surrounded by people, and she never missed an opportunity to spread kindness—whether it was delivering fresh-baked brownies, cookies and friendship cakes to local bus drivers, mail carriers, or her special friends at Super 1.
Known as the heart of every holiday celebration where everyone could enjoy her Santa collection at Christmas. She was always coordinating festive gatherings and ensuring every moment was filled with love and laughter. She was a fixture at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on with unwavering pride.
Shirley had an extensive collection of Pillsbury Dough Boy figurines, a quirky passion that brought a smile to anyone who visited her home.
Her life was a testament to the beauty of generosity, friendship, and family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and connection that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 47 years, Charles Raymond Kelley; two daughters, LaDonna Myers (Sam) and Sabrina Delcambre; three sons, Lenny Delcambre (Rhonda); Ricky Delcambre (Angel) and Rusty Delcambre (Kibby); her grandchildren, Brandon Delcambre (Brandi); Mandy Delcambre (Skye); Staci Broussard (Matt); Brie Frederick (Jered); Ren Delcambre (Morgan); Davin Myers; Tyler Osborne (Lanie); Tanner Delcambre (Anna) and Derick Delcambre (Brooke); twenty three great grandchildren and one sister, Mona Derouen Badeaux.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by one grandchild, Brock Lennon Delcambre; one brother, Dudley Joseph Derouen and her brother-in-law, Lonny Badeaux.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Marcellus Catholic Church. Fr. James Nguyen will be the celebrant. She will be laid to rest at Broussard Cemetery in Bayou Petit Anse.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Evangeline Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The Men’s Rosary Group will pray the Rosary at 6:00 pm. The funeral home will reopen on Wednesday at 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brandon Delcambre, Ren Delcambre, Tanner Delcambre, Tyler Osborne, Avery Delcambre and Carsen Lancon.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and fond memories by visiting www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
