Mary Lee Shell

Mary Lee “Pee Wee” Shell (Raines)

February 13, 1928 – May 10, 2026

It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Mary Lee Shell on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 98. Fittingly, she returned to the loving hands of our Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by her devoted sons and family on Mother’s Day, a testament to her enduring role as the matriarch of her family.

Known affectionately as “Pee Wee” to her family, Mary Lee was born Mary Lee Raines in Brooksville, Florida on February 13, 1928. Following her childhood in Brooksville growing up on the family farm, she moved to Tampa, Florida, at the tender age of 18, seeking new opportunities (and a home with electricity & indoor plumbing!). She began her professional career at American Can Company where she met her future husband, Doyle Glenn Shell. Married on September 11, 1954, they purchased their new home the following year in Temple Terrace, Florida where she would reside for the next 71 years. For 63 of those 71 years, she lovingly raised her sons as a single mother following Glenn’s sudden passing in 1963.

Mary Lee served as Church Secretary at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church from 1969 to 1974, a congregation where she was a longtime member and where all four of her sons were baptized and confirmed. She continued her professional journey working for Lupton’s Family Restaurants and at Trans-Market until her retirement in 2015 at the age of 87. She attributed her enduring vitality, generally good health, and sharp mind & memory to the age of 98 to that daily service and sense of purpose. Pat Sajak and Vanna White would have been impressed by her speed in solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles often 3-4 spins before the on-air contestants – including right up until five days before her passing when she solved “Use Your Imagination” with only the R, S, and T on the board.

Mary Lee was generous to her friends and community through Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Her seven decades as a devoted member rewarded her with lasting friendships and countless opportunities for community service.

A mother of four boys, she was a fierce advocate and protector of her brood. She led by example teaching them respect, a strong work ethic, and a sense of service to others.

Mary Lee had the gift of cooking and took great pride and joy in it while her family and friends were always blessed by her delicious meals. Mary Lee was renowned for her steadfast and sacrificial love, loyalty, and nurturing spirit as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her home was a haven of warmth and faith, and she was cherished for her unwavering generosity and grace. Her influence remains vivid in the lives of her sons and extended family, friends, and community, and she will be deeply missed.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband Doyle Glenn Shell; her parents Quincy and Lauretta Raines; her sisters Naomi McKinnon, Marjorie Sellers, Grace Wylupek, and Quinn Lopez; and her grandson Robbie Shell.

She is survived by her four sons: Donnie Shell (Tracy), and their son Michael; Kevin Shell (Amy); Steven Shell (Elizabeth), and their daughters Allie (fiancé Nick), Katie (Alex), and Georgia (fiancé Jared); and David Shell (Wendy), and their sons Doyle Glenn II (Lorelle), William, and David. Mary Lee is also survived by her youngest sister Sally Gomer (Larry). She is fondly remembered by many other extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We find comfort in the knowledge that Mary Lee now rests in God’s reassuring embrace, at peace and forever remembered for a life of remarkable integrity, devotion, and love.