Shelby Trent

Shelby Trent, born November 8, 1944, in Morristown, Tennessee, was the daughter of C.B. “Bus” Trent and Orphia Branton Trent. A lifelong resident of Hamblen County, Shelby devoted her life to faith, family, and service to others.

Following the early death of her father, Shelby returned home and completed her education at a local business school before assuming responsibility for the family’s businesses, including the beloved Buffalo Trail Skating Rink. For generations of East Tennessee families, the skating rink was more than a place for recreation—it was a place of fellowship, friendship, and faith.

A devoted Christian, Shelby was baptized as a member of Holts Baptist Church and later attended Kidwell’s Ridge Baptist Church. Her greatest passion was sharing the love of Jesus Christ. For many years, she held nightly Bible and vesper services for young people following skating sessions at Buffalo Trail Skating Rink. Countless individuals later returned to tell her how those messages had influenced their lives, with some answering the call to Christian ministry.

Though she never married, Shelby poured the love of a lifetime into her family, especially her three nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own children. She took great joy in their accomplishments and remained a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love throughout their lives.

She leaves behind her devoted sister, Beverly Quillen, and her three nephews, John Quillen, David Quillen (Angela), and Todd Quillen, along with cousins, friends, and generations of young people whose lives were touched by her faith and example. To Shelby, family was never measured simply by names on a family tree, but by the love, loyalty, and care shared throughout a lifetime.

Shelby also dedicated herself to caring for her mother and other family members in their later years, demonstrating remarkable compassion, sacrifice, and devotion. Her life was marked by quiet acts of service, a generous heart, and a willingness to help those who often went unnoticed or underserved.

She enjoyed traveling with her family throughout the United States and Canada and treasured memories of a trip to Israel and Syria. She remained in the family home built on her mother’s family farm in the late 1940s, a place that stood as a symbol of her deep roots in the community she loved.

Shelby leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and service that extends far beyond her family. Through her ministry to young people, her care for others, and her steadfast Christian example, she touched countless lives and helped lead many to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Her life stands as a testament to the truth that a person need not seek recognition to make an extraordinary difference in the world. Those who knew Shelby will remember her for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and the love she freely shared with all who crossed her path.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Hamblen Memory Gardens.