Shelba Jean Richardson

Shelba was born and raised with a meager upbringing in rural Arkansas. She was the fourth born of five children whose parents were a sharecropper and caregiver. Shelba attended a small country school where her love for learning and reading was rooted. In her teenage years, the family moved into the “big city” where her passion for knowledge and reading never ceased; you should see her book collection.

Her personality was unapologetically bold, and so too was her love for Christ. She could be seen in church every time the doors were open serving in many capacities. Not only that, but she’d play her southern gospel albums and would sing along with them...Jubiliee!!! Church was where she met a young airman who happened to be stationed in her hometown. They fell in love and married in the early 60’s. Later they had three sons that God took to heaven with him as newborns.

Shelba’s strong love for her family was proven through many endless phone conversations and road trips to many the family gatherings no matter the distance. She doted on her many nieces and nephews by having them come for visits in the summer time. Nothing stopped her from riding the roller coasters and water rides with them at amusement parks. Then, after a day out they would play games, or ride her bicycle built for two with them. Her heart was as big as Texas, and she treated all of her nieces and nephews as her own.

Throughout her career, she excelled as a dependable and diligent worker for government agencies, and retired in her late sixties. After retirement, Shelba was able to open up her home to care for and love on many children who lovingly refer to her as Nana. At the same time, Shelba showed her creativity through macramé, sewing, and crocheting among other things. Each time people came to visit her, they would leave with some handmade treasure. On any given weekend during football season, she would be “callin’ the hogs” or cheering on her beloved Dallas Cowboys…how ‘bout them cowboys?

She bonded with her sister over bedazzled clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. There was never a time when Shelba was not looking her best. While her outer appearance shined bright, her southern accented personality was one of a kind. The love she showed for those closest to her and her extended family was evident until the very end. Even while she was struggling with her health, Shelba would ask about others’ wellbeing.