Shelva “Shelby” Jean Benton, was born May 16, 1946, in Rainelle, WVA, and went home to her loving Lord and Savior on June 4, 2024, at the age of 78. Shelby was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Benton, her parents Leo Harris and Marie Simmons, her siblings, Franklin Harris, Paul Harris, and Judy Redden, and her granddaughter, Faith Downing.
Shelby will be remembered for her friendliness, hospitality, and love for her family and friends. She was everyone’s Mom or Grandma. She was not a teacher by trade but by nature, passing down so many of her skills, like gardening, sewing, canning, and best of all cooking.
She is survived by her children, Arnold Benton (Leah), Angela Gray (Donnie), and Shelby Downing (Danny). her sibling, Eugene Harris, and her cherished grandchildren, Ashley Benton, Brittany Gray, Donnie Gray, Jr., Cameron Benton, Gavin Downing, and Hope Downing, and great-grandchildren, Savannah Gomillion, Rylann Gray Bristol Gray, Blakely Gray, Charlotte Gomillion, Avery Gomillion, and Harper Gray.
The funeral service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Hammond Blvd, Jacksonville, FL on June 11, 2024, at 10 AM, officiated by Dr. Tom Messer. Shelby will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL, following the service.
Trinity Baptist Church
Trinity Baptist Church
Gethsemane Memorial Gardens
Mark & Sara Finley
June 10, 2024, 6:44 pm
Our deepest condolences, God has healed another angel. Mark and I pray for peace and comfort during your time of grief. Much love to you all