She and her family attended Springhill Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. After graduating from Murphy High School, she traveled with friends to see California and the West Coast by train... But her biggest adventure was waiting for her at home. The Love of her life, Skipper Bowling. After 65 years of marriage, she would say the secret to their long loving marriage was to be your husband’s best friend and enjoy all his interests. Shelby had the calm spirit, and Skipper had the untamed wild spirit, and that gave them balance. Shelby loved to cook and always took pride in her husband’s delight in what she prepared... whatever Skipper did, she did. Skipper died February 25, 2025, and Shelby grieved his absence and stopped eating... she truly died from a broken heart. She passed March 19, 2025, Three weeks after him, and a day before his 89th Birthday. The Lord gave Skipper an early Birthday present, Shelby, and she was determined not to miss his Birthday.
Shelby is preceded in death by her parents,her adored husband of 65 years Arthur Shirley"Skipper" Bowling, her first grandchild, John Claude Phillips, and her son-in-law, Ricky Carlsen.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories her three children, Elizabeth Leigh Phillips (Ray), Arthur Shirley Bowling III, “Buck”, (Kim) and Marty Janell Carlsen. Grandchildren- Clint Phillips, Clay Phillips, Jake Phillips, Art Bowling, Shelby Claire Milgram, Charlie Bowling, Chad Carlsen, Evan Bradley, Laura Little, Abbie Bowling and many great grandchildren also survive her.
Heaven has certainly gained one of the best!
Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., then proceed to Mobile Memorial Gardens for a 12:30 p.m. graveside service.
Pallbearers are Clint Phillips, Clay Phillips, Jake Phillips, Art Bowling, Charlie Bowling, Evan Bradley, Chad Carlsen and Taylor Little.
Service officiated by Associate Pastor Andric Daugherty, of Pathway Church.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
A visitation for Shelby will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6100 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, AL 36619.
