It is with immense sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Shelly Denise Reynolds, affectionately called “Shell” by many, “Mom” by others, “Aunt Shell” and Grams. On March 28, 2023 she sadly departed from us and joyfully joined her loved ones on the other side in what I know was an amazing reunion of the healed.
Shelly was born Shelly Denise Parker in Spur, TX on March 18, 1956 to Keith and Madge Parker, the middle child of 3 siblings. She grew up in Crosbyton, TX and her young adult life was spent in Lubbock, TX. She attended Lubbock Christian College and married Buz Reynolds at her childhood church building in Crosbyton, TX in 1979. She has called several places home over the years including Crosbyton, Lubbock, Amarillo, Mobile, AL, Plano, and most recently Kingwood, TX. She loved the Texas panhandle and some of her fondest memories were of her childhood there near Crosbyton. Shelly looked for the good in everybody, every situation, and every experience. If you knew Shelly, it’s likely that she loved you completely, overlooking any flaws. That was just her. She was an animal lover, especially horses, but also had a love for dogs. She had vowed to never own another dog of her own because the pain of losing them was too great, but embraced the pets of her children and friends. In her lifetime, she also lovingly tolerated a few outside cats, fish, turtles, pet birds and parrots and became the full time caretaker of all the family animals at one point or another. It was her greatest pride in life to be called “Grams” and she was energized by the enthusiasm and passion of her grandchildren which propelled her forward.
She was preceded in death by her father Keith Parker in 1986, and her mother Madge Parker in 2021, her husband Buz Reynolds in 2019 and her youngest daughter Tera Leigh Wolfe in 2022. She is survived by her remaining children, a daughter: Lyndie Reynolds Derryberry and husband Rowdy and granddaughters Lilah Belle and Lucy Jean; a son: Kaleb Keith Reynolds and wife Emily and grandsons Parker Buz and Preston Blake; and a son in law: Zane William Wolfe and granddaughters Audrey Grace and Scarlett Rae. She is also survived by her sister: Kem Ryan and husband Tommy, and her brother: Kevin Parker and wife Sonja, dearly loved in-laws: Kandie and Steve Taylor, Rick and Pam Reynolds, Charlie and Cathy Letson, Paul and Pam Reynolds, a best friend Kim Garwood and husband Bob, and many dearly loved nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends of past and present too numerous to name, but all very dear to her.
Shelly had proudly worked as a secretary for Bush Hog Continental Gin before she began her lifelong career as a mother and housewife. She held other various roles including mortgage broker, realtor, and apartment manager until she began her proudest full time role as “Grams.”
If you were to ask Shelly what was the most important thing in her life, she would say God and her grandchildren. She was first and foremost a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Of course she loved all of her family and friends, but her grandchildren were the light of her life. She had experienced some great losses in her lifetime and with a thankful attitude she overcome that grief to move forward bravely in order to continue her role as a loving mother, grandmother and encouraging friend to so many. A special thanks to those recently dear to her who helped her in her life’s journey including so many inspirational friends from Lake Houston church of Christ, also those consistent and constant friends from the past who she valued so deeply, and the current friends who supported and encouraged her until the unexpected end of her earthly journey.
Our Mom lovingly nursed our Dad day and night through a battle with ALS. She then nursed her granddaughter Scarlett during her infancy during a trying battle with cystic fibrosis related issues, then transitioned directly to a live-in caregiver for her daughter Tera through her battle with breast cancer. She also kept in constant contact with her mother, Madge while she lived nearby in assisted living until her death. Through these emotional and physical trials Mom continued to have a positive attitude. Since December 2022 she rearranged her schedule, spending at least 4 days a week living at Texas Children’s Hospital with her treasured granddaughter Audrey through her triumphant battle with encephalitis. Through it all, she continued babysitting her other grandchildren whenever possible.
Mom was always intensely optimistic, hilariously funny, selfless, stubborn, and private about her own physical struggles. She was very proud to feel strong, pain free, physically energetic, and independent even through her recent battle with a private illness, a subsequent surgery and recovery. During her last few months she was very active, proudly getting her house in order, continuing as a caregiver for everyone, cooking meals and sharing food with her family, and watching I love Lucy and Little House on the Prairie with her grandchildren. Even though she struggled daily with the sadness of the loss of Buz and Tera, she was always making jokes and laughing, and had plans for various trips and adventures with her friends and family in the near future. She was optimistic and eager for a complete recovery until the very end when an unpredictable late complication took her life. She held no one at fault for her illness and she was grateful for her life in every moment.
We truly believe there is no other person in this world who could have lived a more selfless and honorable life than our mother. Kaleb, Zane, and I are so very proud to call her our Mom, our “Grams,” and our inspiration forever. Shelly lived such a life that we can only strive to live, and we are proud to know that she is joyfully waiting for us to join her in heaven.
She didn’t want us to make a fuss over her. The family has communed privately in Kingwood at the time of her passing to celebrate her life. She will be interred with Dad in a private ceremony. Those who wish to attend may contact family directly as those plans evolve. Thank you so much for loving our Mom. She is forever with us.
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