Frances Rodena "Dena" Robinson

If one stops long enough, they will realize that music is all around us – in the song of a bird, a whistle through the trees, even in the humdrum of traffic. Music is the food of love and the international language. That language was borne into Frances Rodena “Dena” Shelkofsky Robinson on January 25, 1944 in Mobile, Alabama. She was the only daughter of Herman Frederick “Fred” Shelkofsky, and Katherine Eleanor Seamon Shelkofsky. Dena’s love of music started early, and it would present a life-long rhythm in her soul. Known as “Dena Shelk”, she had a niche of Rockabilly, and was contracted with the Sweetheart Record Label in Mobile. One of her singles, “I Miss You Too”, was written by her father, Fred. They were a singer/songwriter duo, and spent many years in collaboration. Dena opened for Brenda Lee for her show in Mobile’s Fort Whiting, and sang on Alabama Jubilee into the 1960’s. Fred also instilled a love of fishing in his daughter. Some of Dena’s fondest memories over the years came from the time she spent fishing with him, and playing Bingo with her mother, Katherine. Dena also excelled in penmanship – a lost art – and won many awards throughout her youth for her impeccable handwriting.

Dena had a keen eye, and was an award-winning photographer. She was honored with an award for Architectural Photography at the Mississippi/Alabama Seminar, and was blessed to get to work for her best friend at Rosa Vaughn Photography for over seven years. Another one of Dena’s talents was gardening. She loved flowers and plants, and only had to look at a bit of earth to make something grow. Even now, with her yard being unattended for several months, her flowers are still flourishing. Above all else, Dena loved spending time with her family. Game Night was their poison, and you can walk into her house at any moment and find Yahtzee score cards stacked high. She adored her grandchildren, and made it her top priority to make it to every dance recital, ball game, band competition, graduation, or any other activity they participated in. If she couldn’t make it, she would watch videos or livestreams. Never a more devoted grandmother existed.

Dena’s parents, Fred and Katherine Shelkofsky preceded her in death.

Left to cherish her memories are her four children, James Dudley Evans (Patti), Fredalyn Kae Evans Stewart (Rick), Mary Katherine Dean Lawshe (Phil), and Donald Gordon Dean (Shauna); grandchildren, “Ryan” Kristopher Stewart (Kelsey), “Kamryn” Elise Stewart, Joseph “Stone” Lawshe (Anne), “Skyler” MariA’nna Lawshe, “Ethan” Connor Jordan, DeAnna Alline Dean “DD” Hosey (Shawn), Andrew “Evan” William Dean, and Alex Colby Dean (Caroline); great-grandchildren, Emery, Brookelyn, Parker, and Haven; as well as other cherished family and friends.

A visitation for Dena will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a chapel service immediately following. Her final resting place will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.

Dena's family would like to extend the utmost gratitude to her outstanding and compassionate nurse, Kari Webb, who immediately developed a close relationship with their mom and always brought a smile to her face. They would also like to give heart-felt thanks to her caregiver, Kayla and the entire staff at Springhill Hospice for the help and support they provided.

In lieu of flowers, Dena’s family would like donations to be made to the Sisters of the Visitation of Mobile.

Dena’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, and one but has to gaze up at the moon and stars she had such a strong affinity for, to realize she is always with us.