Barbara Russell Shealy

Barbara Russell Shealy, of Lexington, SC and Cartersville, GA, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was born January 20, 1941 in Bluefield, WV, the only daughter of Alfred and Juanita Russell and sister to Eugene, Greg and Randy Russell.

Barbara graduated from Lexington High School in 1959 and studied accounting at Midlands Technical College. Barbara married James W. Shealy in 1959 and made their home in Lexington. There, they raised their two children, James W. Shealy, Jr. and Wendi D. Shealy.

While busy with her family, Barbara was an active member of St. David’s Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Lexington Woman’s Club, where she was selected as Clubwoman of the Year for 1976-77 and then served as president from 1980-88. Barbara also played a major role in establishing and supporting the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter, founded in 1972, providing a safe harbor for children.

Barbara and James moved to Cartersville, GA in 1995, where James established their business, Dixie Truck Lines. There, they were surrounded by their son, Jim, his wife Maureen, and their three sons, Nicholas, Russell, and Patrick.

Barbara was happiest when she was involved with her three grandsons and became a huge soccer fan, attending almost all of their soccer games. She also enjoyed being a substitute grandmother to many of the grandsons’ friends who also knew her as “Mimi.” Bobbie, as she was fondly known by her many friends, also enjoyed watching movies and anything “Elvis,” but her true loves were her family and her precious dogs.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Eugene. In 2015, she and James were devastated by the sudden death of their daughter, Wendi. Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, James Welton Shealy, Sr.; her son, Dr. James W. Shealy, Jr. and his wife, Maureen; and her three grandsons, Nicholas, Russell and Patrick, all of Cartersville, GA. She is also survived by her brothers, Greg Russell and Randy Russell; a brother-in-law, Allen Shealy, and his wife, Paulette Shealy; and sister-in-law, Zelma Amick.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. David Lutheran Church Cemetery, 132 St Davids Church Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.

Memorials may be sent to Nancy K. Perry Children’s Center, PO Box 344, Lexington, SC 29071.