Shelba Jean McCleney

Shelba Jean McCleney of Gardendale, Alabama passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, at age 88. She was born in Bremen, Alabama, on August 26, 1936, to Erasmus Bethel Harbison and Vera Lee Hutchinson Harbison. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother – E. B. Harbison, and her husbands – Vernerd Hines (deceased 1978) and William Truitt McCleney (deceased 2009).

Shelba Jean is survived by her sons: Warren Keith Hines (Merry Jane "Sissy"), Kenneth Wayne Hines (Denise), Jim McCleney (Gayla), Allen McCleney (Debra), Sidney McCleney, Rodney McCleney (Gail), and Kenny McCleney (Lori). She was a proud grandmother to: Jacob Keith Hines (Kaitlyn), Jared Wayne Hines (Elizabeth Anne), and Caleb Hines. Perhaps her greatest joy later in life was being great-grandmother to: Zoey Kate Hines, Weston Pierce Hines, Georgia Logan Hines, Abby Grace Hines, and the soon-to-arrive, Warren Drake Hines. She is also survived by her sister – Charlotte Calvert, sister-in-law – Ethelene Harbison, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and special friend/neighbor – Sharon Hamilton.

Shelba Jean was lovingly cared for in her later years by her son and daughter-in-law – Keith and Sissy, and caretakers – Diedre Cooper and Patricia Manley. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Hematology & Oncology of Alabama and the dedicated staff at Agape Hospice team for their compassionate care and unwavering support during Shelba's final days.

Throughout her life, Shelba Jean was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She attended school at Cold Springs and later worked as a crossing guard for the Gardendale Schools, where she became a beloved figure to students and staff alike. She also worked at Jones Appliance and Carraway Hospital, always giving her best in every role she undertook. Shelba Jean was a long-time member of Pineywood Baptist Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and a loving community. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her pals at the Gardendale Senior Center and at "Silver Sneakers" at the gym. She truly enjoyed forming new friendships and deeply investing in loved ones.

Her family, friends, and community will deeply miss her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. A celebration of her life will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Sunday, February 2, 2025, with visitation starting at 1:00PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM. Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pineywood Baptist Church in Gardendale, Equip Ministries (https://equiponeministries.org/ or mail to address below) or the charity of your choosing.

Equip Ministries

P. O. Box 1374

Livingston, AL 35470