Shelba Jean Lauritzen

1936-2022

Shelba Jean Smith White Lauritzen, age 85, of Deer Park, Texas passed away peacefully on March 18, 2022. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Shelba was born at the family home in Bay Minette, Alabama on October 29, 1936 to Joel and Gladys Smith, the third of seven siblings. Shelba attended a one-room schoolhouse not far from her family’s house through the sixth grade and she concluded her public schooling at the Perdido School after the completion of tenth grade.

With school behind her Shelba started her first job working at the drug store in Bay Minette. After a short while she began working as a seamstress at the Vanity Fair factory in Atmore, Alabama. On September 17, 1955 she married her sweetheart from school, Victor White, in Jackson, Mississippi beginning a twenty-three year union together that produced their three children. Sadly, the marriage dissolved in 1978. However, Shelba’s strong work ethic and quiet determination led her to a long running job with Thermart Manufacturing in Pasadena. She also began assisting Barbara and Johnny Banks in their wedding catering business. After the opening of Banks Wedding Chapel, Shelba began managing the private catering business on her own. She was forever grateful for the care and support given to her by Barbara and Johnny. On July 12, 1985, Shelba married Charles Lauritzen. It was a happy day in her life and one that led to a loving marriage of thirty-six years that ended with Charles’s death just ten months ago.

Shelba is survived by her children Victor White and wife Heidi, Donna Henson and husband Rob, and Bobby White and wife Amanda, all of Deer Park, Texas. Stepchildren Carl and Cindy Lauritzen of Pasadena, Texas and Clarence Lauritzen and wife Rhonda of Bridge City, Texas also survive her passing.

Grandchildren David White and wife Misty, Natalie Lay and husband Dusty, Caleb White, Joel Henson, Taylor Henson, Paige Lay and husband Coy, Evan White and wife Hannah, Emily Day and husband Josh and Brittany Lauritzen, along with twelve great grandchildren mourn her passing.

Shelba is also survived by one brother, Larry Smith and wife Janey and one sister Patsy Robertson and husband Jack both of Bay Minette, Alabama and sister-in-law Shirley Bryars of Perdido, Alabama. She is also fondly remembered by a host of beloved nieces and nephews. This number comprises the family that dearly loved Shelba and she in turn loved them.

Along with her parents, Shelba’s first husband, Victor White, her second husband, Charles Lauritzen, brother Otis (Buddy) Smith, sister Nellree Phillips and husband Elmer, sister Betty Roberson and husband Carl, and brother Jack Smith also preceded her in death.

Shelba was a longtime faithful member of the Southside Church of Christ in Pasadena, Texas. Her faith was strong and her devotion to Jesus Christ was unwavering. While we will miss Shelba and mourn her passing we do not do so as those that have no hope. We are confident we will see her again someday.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation for the loving expressions of kindness shown during her brief illness but even more so for the long years of love and support demonstrated by so many to her over a lifetime well spent.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandviewfunerals.com for the Lauritzen family.