Shelly Ann Wampler Persson, my sister, is beautiful, proud, fun, fiercely independent, and incredibly stubborn.  She loved to talk and was always here for the party! Most of all, Shelly loved her family and friends.  She was a dedicated mother and wife, an amazing grandma and aunt,  and she always pushed her family forward with encouragement and love.   Its true that she wore her heart on her sleeve and she helped, many, many people throughout her life.    

Shelly, I want you to know that your friends and family are proud of you today and always.  We are grateful for everything you have done for us and you will always be with us.  In the Jewish tradition, people say, “May her memory be a blessing” when someone passes away.   It is up to those who remember  and bear her memory to keep the person’s goodness alive. 

Well, Shelly, the blessing and gifts you have given to us are real.  We have a strong family.  You have taught us the power of love, traditions, togetherness, and drive. 

Always remember the love, strength, and hope that Shelly brought to our family.  Her legacy continues to shine in each of us as our family continues to grow stronger.   

Shelly taught us that too,  the power of love and a strong family.

Shelly was a great big sister! I have so many great memories from my childhood of her. From being her guinea pig when she was in hair school, (I always had cool haircuts like mullets, crullets, checkerboards or lines in the side of my head) to our many amazing road trips. One of my fondest was when the radiator was broken in the Jeep Cherokee and we had the heater on from Georgia to Louisiana in August and we melted the A/C vent, Jamming the Proclaimers song “I will walk 500 miles” That song will always make me smile! She loved to host parties and entertain and she was always so good at it, she made it look effortless. She was also an amazing cook! She was very loved and she will be missed by so many people. May she rest in Gods peace, and may we find comfort in knowing we will see her again one day in Heaven.

Years ago, I prayed for a friend and a babysitter but God knew my family needed so much more!  In 2002, tragedy struck and our families grew strong.  Shelly would take me “Grocery Shopping”, encouraged me to exercise. She was awake and ready to go , but not me!  After the long walk, we worked out to Cindy Crawford’s brutal routine.  I can still hear Shelly “10 more, 10 more”. Shelly and Kailey kept my girls when I needed to be away. Kailey, Katherine and Layne are still as close as sisters!  Chip and Pete bonded and became “brothers from another mother”.  As years went by and friendships grew, Dylan and Josh became roommates too! 
Memories we made include Saints, Bucs and backyard football games, golf, poolside chats, tubing the Bogue Chitto, patio grilling and formal dinners, holiday and New Year celebrations, birthdays, weddings, funerals, showers and babies.  We attended concerts, declined Air Supply, but loved Nora Jones, Elton John & Kenny Loggins! I will forever miss  our telephone chats with the inevitable grocery list and fresh Pico recipe. Big or small she loved entertaining, catching sun rays, late night hot tub soaks, and her Paradise, the Beach! 
Only God could orchestrate such a friendship that lasted beyond my greatest imagination! Shelly was God’s gift to my family and so many others that were blessed to know and love her.  Thank you,  Shelly, for accepting my invitation to the “Fish Fry!”  We love you dearly! We will meet again…. Until then.

Losing Shelly is an example of  how unfair life can sometimes be. 😭 My heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends. We were lucky to have known her.  I attended PHD Hair Academy with Shelly and Christy in 1988. Shelly was a caring friend and always had a positive attitude. If it wasn’t for her I may not have completed beauty school. Her nurturing nature is unparalleled . Rest in Paradise, Peace and Power sweet Shelly. 💝

Shelly made other people feel Loved, and made others smile.   She was beyond Special and unique.  Loving and Friendly.  She was One of a kind.   A Blessing to all who knew her.   She had a special warmth about her.  Cheerful and smiling.  She was a gving person.   Family meant everything to her.  These are the attributes  I will remember.  💕🕊️

So saddened to hear that such a sweet wonderful lady has passed. My fondest first memory was spending thanksgiving with you in Gatlinsburg. You instantly made me feel welcome and part of the family.  You were so beloved and will be missed by so many.  My deepest condolences.

Shelley was my first hairdresser after I moved to Florida.  I remember Kailey and Dylan when they would play at their table while my hair was cut and styled at their home in Seminole.  A few years later Shelley did my daughter’s hair for her wedding as well as Kelli’s sister and mine.   I lost touch with Shelley, but my daughter Kelli Barr was one of her FB friends and would share some of her posts.  Shelley was a wonderful person whose shining light will be missed by many.  I am so sorry for your loss. 

 With heartfelt condolences 
Carol Ansel

I haven’t known Shelley and Pete for long, but the time we spent together was so special!  I will always remember our Bible studies.  And FREEDOM study! So Wonderful! Thank you for how amazing you were to us all.

Kailey I am so sorry for the loss of your mom.Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was so friendly and nice to me and Ginger when we went to your home before you and Caleb got married.  She was a beautiful woman cherish your memories of her and talk of her often to your children they have memories too.  Love Linda Atchley

I'm so sorry, she will be truly missed. She is with God now, no more pain, no more fighting, she won the ultimate prize, she is one of God's angels now. Love to the family, patti and del holt, your groomer who moved to fla.

The world has lost a truly amazing woman.  I am forever grateful for always being welcomed with open arms, delicious food, and a cozy place to sleep (or recover).  I can get to the Persson home without GPS and, even though I never just showed up randomly, I know that I always could. During college, their house was my second home. I was usually the first person awake, and loved getting to help cook breakfast while we talked and caught up -- and the food was always beyond amazing. She even made sure we ate well on vacations, sending Kailey with pulled pork and making sure she knew how to make her infamous pico (even if I think I know a better way than Kailey to cut tomatoes).  Mrs. Shelly was such a blessing in my life. I will miss her always and take comfort knowing she has found peace.

I worked with Shelly at DCC in Financial Aid. I remember the day my son started kindergarten. I cried all day and she cried with me. She was a special and kind person. We had many fun days at the office. Rest in peace Shelly.

I’m so sorry for the loss of Shelly. She was truly one of a kind—full of life, generous, and beautiful inside and out. Her laughter and kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her memory will live on in all of our hearts. Please know that I’m here for you during this difficult time, and my thoughts are with you and everyone who loved her.

This was while your mom and dad were in Houston, so Dylan and Nat invited us, Corey, and Lindsey to St. Arnold’s. We chatted about how you were pregnant with your second baby girl and she was thrilled to be welcoming another granddaughter soon and shared the names you had on your list. Thankful Dakota and I knew her and always appreciated how welcoming she was.

Shelly was the most generous, fun, unpretentious, loyal friend you could have. I was lucky to have had her in my life for almost 40 years. She is now a guardian angel for her family (and there will probably be a few pranks as well). I will see you in the next life my beautiful friend. Never goodbye, see you soon. Love you to the moon!  Sandy

Pete, I am so very sorry to  hear that your beloved wife passed away.  In the time that I have known you, it has been clear how much you loved Shelly and  your family.  I know her loss is devastating.  I pray the peace and joy of Jesus Christ will provide the comfort you need to get through this very sad time.

OBITUARY

Shelly Wampler Persson

March 29, 1970 – November 21, 2024

Grace Funeral Home & St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden

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