Shelby Campbell Long

Shelby Campbell Long, 87, died peacefully in her sleep on June 17th, 2026, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, grace, and a little bit of Southern feistiness that made her unforgettable. She is survived by her husband of over 65 years, Kenneth D. Long of Caldwell, WV.

Born on October 12, 1938, in Monroe, Virginia, Shelby was the daughter of the late Oscar Wade Campbell and Effie Wright Campbell. Affectionately known as “Ladybug” by her parents, she graduated from the Lynchburg General School of Nursing in 1960 and dedicated 45 years of service to Lynchburg General Hospital (now Centra Health). As an operating room nurse, she cared for countless patients and families with skill, kindness, and compassion.

In 1960, Shelby married the love of her life, Kenneth, after a blind date arranged by Kenneth’s sister, who worked alongside Shelby at the hospital. From that first meeting grew a devoted marriage of more than 65 years, built on faith, commitment, and enduring love.

Together, Shelby and Kenneth experienced both sorrow and joy.

They adopted their daughter, Kelly, in 1969, whose life was tragically cut short by a brain tumor at age three. In 1972, they welcomed their daughter, Allison, through adoption, and in 1978, after 18 years of marriage, they were blessed with a son, Brandon. Shelby’s greatest joy was being “Mom” to her children and later “Memaw” to her grandchildren, Tyler, Gabriella, and Dylan, who brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

Shelby cherished her many friendships, especially her lifelong bond with her dear friend Harriette and the close-knit group of operating room nurses she considered family. A true Southern lady, she was known for her elegance, warmth, and sense of style. While she appreciated grace and appearance, her greatest beauty was found in the love and care she showed to others.

Shelby found joy in cooking, canning, singing, traveling with her family, decorating for Christmas, and hosting family gatherings. Her love language was food, and there was always room at her table. Family and friends fondly remember her famous red velvet cake, holiday meals, and her favorite phrase, “Get you some!” No one ever left her home hungry or without feeling loved.

Christmas held a special place in Shelby’s heart. For 15 years, one of her most treasured traditions was celebrating the season with her children and grandchildren at The Greenbrier Resort, creating cherished memories surrounded by the people she loved most.

Shelby was caring, generous, and spirited, with a feisty personality that made her uniquely herself. She loved deeply, cared fiercely, and was always there for family and friends. Although Alzheimer’s disease gradually stole many memories, it never diminished the love she shared or the legacy she leaves behind.

Shelby will be remembered for her beautiful Southern charm, impeccable style, generous heart, and her joyful insistence that everyone have just one more helping. Her loving invitation to “Get you some!” was more than a saying- it was the way she lived her life, always making sure others were cared for, nourished, and deeply loved. She will always be remembered as a loving Memaw.

Shelby was preceded in passing by her daughter, Stephanie Kelly Long, her sisters, Louise Simms, Arlene Hayslett, and Myrtle Shreve, and her brothers, Woodrow Campbell, Clarence Campbell and Irving Campbell.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband those left to cherish Shelby’s memory include her daughter, Allison Kaminsky and her husband, Mark of Waterford, VA; her son, Brandon Long and his wife, Kathryn of Clayton, NC; her very special, loving brother, Paul Campbell of Stephen’s City, VA and his wife Ginny who made the trip from his home in Stephen’s city, VA to Leesburg, VA to visit Shelby at Poet’s Walk (at 94 years old!); her grandchildren, Tyler Long and Gabriella Long, of Clayton, NC, and Dylan Kaminsky of Waterford, VA; and her lifelong friend who was like a sister Harriette Cash; and a number of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

There will be a celebration of Shelby’s life on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel at 11am officiated by Dr. Rev. Derik Hamby and Paul Campbell. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside committal will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Her greatest joy was her family. Whether gathered around the dinner table or celebrating the holidays, Shelby cherished every moment spent with those she loved; she loved her family dearly and she will be dearly missed.