Dorothy Snellgrove Shelley

Dorothy Snellgrove Shelley, age 74, of Trussville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. She was a faithful, long time member of Eastside Baptist Church where she served as secretary of her Sunday school class and in her earlier years served as a teacher in the childrens department. She was born in Henry County, in the Webb area. She attended Webb schools and Houston County High School in Columbia. In addition to her church activities, she had a passion for bridge and played with a close knit group of friends for more than forty years. Sshe also enjoyed her work at Friend Sisters store in Roebuck shopping center. Throughout her life, she was beset by a number of serious illnesses. Romans 5:1-5 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because Gods love had been poured into our hearts through the Holy spirit who has been given us." Her sufferings bore an endurance, the likes of which few ever witness. The best of her, namely, character, hope and love, has likewise been given to those of us who remain. That which she gave us, through Christ, will not put her, or us, to shame. Hope never dies. Our hope rests in the knowledge that we will see her again once our appointed time is at hand or when the Redeemer returns. Regardless, we know where she is, we know who took her there, and best of all, we know how to get there too. We thank her for exhibiting strength in life and grace in death. She was devoted to her family, especially to her two beautiful granddaughters, Emily N, and Jessica H. Shelley. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years Jay H. Shelley; her son, Jeffery L. Shelley, and his wife, Linda C. Shelley; her granddaughters, Emily and Jessica; her brother, Derry (Katherine) Snellgrove of Dothan; her sisters, Jean Benton of Thomasville, Ga., Helen Bruner and Norma Ott (Carlton) of Dothan; sister-in-law, Norma Faye Snellgrove of Webb; brother-in-law, John Heitzenrater of Dothan, and sister-in-law, Laura Bell Bludsworth; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dempsey and Annie Snellgrove of Webb; her brothers, Garvious snellgrove, William Snellgrove and Ray Snellgrove of Dothan; and her sister Joyce Heitzenrater of Webb. Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, from 5 to 7 p.m., with services held Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at noon at Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Trussville. Burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Deacons from Eastside Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. The Revs. Mark Smith and Mike Jackson officiating. Memorial gifts to your preferred charity or floral arrangements are acceptable. Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens of Trussville, (205) 322-0544, is in charge of arrangements.