Susan Petree Shelley

She later moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where she met her future husband, Zack Shelley, Jr. (known as the Colonel), at Leon High School. After graduating from Leon, they both attended Florida State University and married on February 1st, 1957. Soon after, Zack entered the United States Air Force where she learned the life of a military wife as well as a working wife and full-time mother.

She was the proud mother of five children during their journey together. She lived in many different states and overseas, thus learning about the cultures and customs from the people everywhere they called home and traveled. This helped make her a strong, intelligent, sympathetic and kindhearted women.

She was always unconditional in her love for her family and always treated friends of her children as if they were family. Susan shared and transferred many important life lessons to her children that will continue to be instilled in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of her favorite things was teaching her kids the culinary arts…she was a great Southern cook.

Susan was often referred to as a true ‘Southern Belle’ by family and friends alike. Her drawl, smile and laughter will always be remembered by all. We will miss you ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandmommy’ and you will always be with us in heart and soul for our journeys ahead.

She is preceded in death by her husband and two precious sons. She is survived by her brother, three children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous very dear cousins and life-long friends.

The family will have a Memorial Graveside Service at Roselawn Cemetery on Friday, August 9th, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.