Rachel Shelley Barnard

Rachel Shelley Barnard passed away May 28, 2026 at her home in Hoover, Alabama after a courageous fight with cancer. Rachel was born on May 19, 1984 in Birmingham, Alabama to Marsha and Kenneth Shelley.

She graduated from Thompson High School in 2002 and attended Jefferson State Community College. After graduating, Rachel began working as an administrative assistant with AT&T, where she met her husband, Bart. Bart and Rachel were married on April 26, 2014 and later welcomed their two boys, Pierce and Grayson. She then stepped into her most cherished role, “Mom.” A devout Christ follower, Rachel served as a faithful leader of her family, raising her boys as arrows, pointing them toward Jesus each and every day. Her zest for life shined through in her love for the Lord, Auburn football, Elvis, the perfect Halloween costume, a good ugly sweater Christmas party, hosting family and friends, celebrating her boys, trips to the beach, and a beautiful sunset. Her sweet smile and joyful laugh were infectious, and she truly lived life to its fullest.

Rachel’s kind spirit, loving heart and enduring faith will be missed by everyone who knew her. Rachel was preceded in death by her grandparents, Earl Shelley, Glen Hand, and Myrtle Tew Hand. She is survived by her devoted husband, William Barton Barnard; sons, William Pierce Barnard and Grayson Lynn Barnard; parents, Marsha and Kenny Shelley of Alabaster, AL; brothers, Ashley Shelley (Staci) of Fairview, TN and Scott Shelley (Shea) of Columbia, AL; grandmother, Janelle Shelley of Headland, AL; nieces and nephews: Olivia Gamble (Andrew), Ethan, Emma, Hudson, Haisten, Sydney, Henry, and Elaina Shelley; mother-in-law, Patty Barnard of Hoover, AL; sister-in law, Michelle Barnard of Hoover, AL; and many close relatives and friends. Rachel’s endless grace, courage and strength live on in the hearts and daily lives of her two amazing sons and her loving husband, whom she cherished so dearly.

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama will be assisting the family. Visitation will be held Monday, June 1, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:30 am at Southern Heritage. A service in Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30, followed by a private burial.

Pallbearers will include Brett Shaw, Rusty Bunn, Todd Shaw, Ethan Shelley, Haisten Shelley, and Hudson Shelley.