Claudia Bell Shell

1935-2017

Claudia B. Shell passed away July 7th, 2017, surrounded by her family & friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Shell and her children Debbie Shell & Floyde Shell. Born to Pearl Simmons and Thos E. Simmons, she is survived by her brother, Forrest Blair Simmons and his wife Ann; her granddaughter, Shannon C. Shell; her grandson, Benjamin T. Shell and his wife Ginger; her great-grandchildren, Hollie and Caden; her daughter-in-law, Dana Shell; her son-in-law Gene Eng; her adopted daughters Denise Jameson and Karen Stacy and her niece Annette Clontz.

She married Robert Shell in July of 1951. Claudia was a dedicated military wife who supplemented her husband’s income by selling Avon and working at Olan Mills. The money she saved paid the down payment on the house they retired in.

She loved spending time with her family, her friends and her nursery babies from church. Claudia was a compassionate caregiver who looked after both her family and her extended family with a fierce devotion. The table would creak under the food she prepared for family, friends and any hungry individual who needed a place to rest. All servicemen were welcome in her home. Her table always had room for one more.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 13, 2017, 5-7 p.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral service will be July 14, 2017 at 9 a.m. with Pastor Patrick Brady and Elder Michael Stacy officiating. Attendees will be escorted from Eastern Gate to Barrancas National Cemetery for graveside services where Claudia will be laid to rest with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of her beloved charities: St. Jude’s, Pensacola Waterfront Mission, Wounded Warriors, or your local Humane Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.