Shelly Lynne Davey

Shelly was a woman of faith, perseverance, and determination with a glow of joy, love, and caring for her family and friends.

Shelly's love was the most complete for family and friends, consistently demonstrating "the selfless concern for others."

Shelly is survived by many who adored her, including her husband Thomas A. Davey of over 47 years, son Andrew K. Davey(Carla), and three grandchildren, Chloe, Julian, and Lilia. Her beloved Nephew, Ian Stevens, wife, Brooke, niece Kirsten Evans, husband Steve, grand and great-grand nieces, and a grand-nephew, sister-in-law Denise Stevens, all who cared and surrounded Shelly with love.

Shelly was born in the small town of Central Lake, Michigan, in her Grandmother Burlew's home. She was the oldest child of Iris and Earl "Pete" Stevens and had two younger brothers, Jon Michael, and Craig Stevens. Jon passed away in 2014 and her "Baby Brother" Craig Earl in 2020.

The family attended the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Midland. Before "moving to town," Pete and Iris lived in the countryside outside of Midland, Michigan, where Shelly attended a small county school and nearby Homer Methodist Church. She would often retell cherished memories from Homer Methodist Church Youth Camps. Shelly recalled the old gospel songs, children's sermons, and the time she accepted Jesus as her savior at age 10. She ran home and loudly announced to her parents, "I've been saved!"

Shelly graduated from Midland High School (Cavaliers ) in 1960 and started a journey of various jobs. First was the donut shop where she quit the first day after eating her tips in donuts, a dental office where she was fired from dropping Mercury filled dental trays used for filings.

Shelly was hired as a receptionist at Dow Chemical Company in Midland. The experience led to her job at Walker Advertising as a receptionist and occasional fashion model, where she met David Knudson, a commercial artist at the local agency. While dating, David nominated Shelly for "Miss Saginaw Valley Sports Car Club," which she won. Later she became Miss "MADE-RITE Potato Chips" and appeared on regional magazine covers, including Bow Hunting magazine.

In 1961 David drove to Anaheim, California, with his fraternity brother Jim Davey to pursue their careers. Shelly moved to California in 1962 with her dear friend and Jim's girlfriend, Jean Berquist, where they were roommates and worked as teacher assistants at the Charles Lindbergh school in Buena Park.

Jim and Jean were married. Soon after, David and Shelly married in 1964 and welcomed the birth of their son Andrew in 1969.

Shelly and David traveled to Europe while Pete and Iris took care of Andrew for a month. Shelly loved to retell stories of her travels. London smelled like wet wool. In Naples, the boat ride into the Blue Grotto was death-defying, and once, an octopus "walked off her seafood salad" in Rome.

After her marriage to David ended in 1974, Jim Davey suggested a date with his younger brother, "Tommy." Shelly always laughed, remembering how she thought Tommy was only 12 years old. Jim cautioned her, "date him, don't marry him." Shelly met the love of her life, even though her red-headed five-year-old slammed the door on him on the first date.

Tom, Shelly, and Andy were married on September 6th, 1974, at Westminster Presbyterian Church while living in La Habra, California.

In one year, Shelly earned a two-year degree as a legal assistant from Criss Business College. She was very successful with Stephan Desales Law. After more than 50 years of practice, he has said he "wouldn't have made it without Shelly."

Tom and Shelly bought their first house in Riverside, California, in 1976, which also created a two-hour round trip commute for them. Shelly enjoyed the excitement of being a criminal defense legal secretary in Los Angeles, but both Tom and Shelly longed for a more "midwest" home.

After Shelly sent Tom to a "grooming school" to learn interview skills, Hicks Pension Services, California, hired him, and the Daveys moved to Fresno. Shelly supported her husband in his new career, raised their son, delved into gourmet cooking, explored and expanded her creative side.

The Davey's quickly bonded with many friends, including Duane and Maureen Strickland, whose friendship has lasted over 40 years.

In 1983, Shelly owned a store on Bullard Avenue called "Strictly Birthdays" that offered unique gifts and gourmet wrapping. Her vibrant personality and incredible talents attracted passionate customers; some would order wrapping services even though they were not gifts. The community began to recognize her creative skills, and she met many future decorating clients here. Her phrases like "ceautiful," "wonderful," and "whimsical" describe her work best. She closed the shop in 1988 when Shelly turned her focus on helping build a new business with Tom.

In 1991 Tom and Shelly restarted a Pension Administration business in his brother's car rental business, jokingly calling it "Dollar Rent a Pension."

Shelly answered phones, orchestrated client packages and letters, and provided loving, moral support. Shelly supported Tom through the most challenging times of their marriage and the struggles which brought them closer than ever before. The company was renamed Davey Administration Group in 1993 and is thriving today as PACE TPA.

1993 was also when they became early members of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Clovis, California. As "the flower lady," Shelly immediately became the church decorator, setting much of the tone during the initial church growth.

Shelly continued throughout her life to create and decorate for friends and family. She and her very close friend Lucia Fleming had an arts and crafts business entitled "Kindred Spirits," which successfully served local families and businesses. She planned social and holiday events and crafted custom decor installations that still fill many homes and churches.

2002 is when Shelly gladly accepted her proudest role: "Gramma Jelly." Her first granddaughter Chloe Lyn was born. Four years later, Julian Earl and Lilia Rae followed. She's "Aunt Jelly" to Lisa and Chris; Molly and Charlotte; Madison, Taylor, Savannah, Heidi, Willow, Brynn, Bree, and nephew Zachary. They all love hearing from "I love you to the moon and back" and "make sure you eat your veggies."

All who are blessed to have known Shelly will miss her greatly.

A Celebration of Life for Shelly will be held Friday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Sanger Community Church, 1610 Jensen Avenue, Sanger, California 93657.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Davey family.