Elizabeth Shelby

Elizabeth Upchurch Shelby, wonderful wife, loving and dedicated mother, and sweet grandmother, entered Heaven’s gates on October 24, 2011 to live with her Lord and Savior for eternity. The best part of her life has just begun!

Born in Murray, Kentucky on April 30, 1922, to loving parents Maggie and George Upchurch, she was the second of three beautiful daughters. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Murray with her sisters Sue and George Ann. Elizabeth excelled in her studies and was salutatorian of her high school class. She went on to study at Murray State College where she graduated with highest honors in English and pursued a career in teaching. She taught honors English in Illinois and later at Forest Avenue High School in Dallas.

She met her future husband, Charles, at First Baptist Church Dallas. They married in June of 1955 and had a long, loving, 42-year marriage. Charles preceded her in death. Together they were avid supporters of Baylor University, they were dedicated Sunday School teachers at First Baptist Church for over 50 years – she alone taught the Love One Another class for 27 years, and they provided a warm, loving, happy and secure home environment for their children and their friends.

Mother was an exceptional lady. Most importantly, she loved the Lord and her strong faith was evidenced by the way she lived her entire life. She had a true servant’s heart and tirelessly served her family, her church, and her friends. Many share memories of Elizabeth’s delicious meals, thoroughly prepared Sunday school lessons, and sweet calls of encouragement in times of need. She will be sweetly remembered by her family and friends as tenderhearted and caring. She was truly a treasure to all who knew her and we will miss her forever.

She is survived by her family which includes: daughter Martha Shelby Beale and husband Ron; son Charles Shelby, Jr. and his wife Patrice and their children Caroline and Graham Shelby; her sister George Ann Lester of California; her brother-in-law Jack Kahn of Dallas; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Thursday, October 27 from 6:00-8:00pm at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas. A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday, October 28 at 11:00am in Truett Chapel of First Baptist Church, Dallas.

Memorials may be sent to the building fund at First Baptist Church, Dallas.