Jimmie LaVon Shelly, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend went home to be with the Lord on November 1, 2026, in Savannah, Tennessee.
Born on December 6,1942, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Jimmie was the daughter of the late James Luther and Mary Neva Essary White. On November 25, 1960, she was united in marriage to Jerry Lynn Shelly, who preceded his wife in death on August 25, 2012. Together, they built a life centered on their family and their faith.
A talented beautician, Jimmie owned her own salon, where she did much more than care for her customers’ hair. Over the years, she formed lasting friendships with the people who sat in her chair. Jimmie enjoyed sewing for her children and her home, catering weddings, and arranging flowers.
Jimmie’s faith was the foundation of her life. A member of Hopewell Baptist Church and its Ladies Sunday School Class, she loved studying the Bible and sharing its truths with others. Her desire to deepen her understanding of scripture led her to complete a certificate of Christian Studies from Union University.
Jimmie’s greatest earthly joy was her family. She was fiercely devoted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, and she cherished the time they spent together. She loved spending time on the lake with her husband and family at their home at Paris Landing. All through her years of living in Savannah, she treasured the friends in her Finley community where she was raised.
She is survived by her two daughters, Lynette Shelly Ezell and husband Kevin of Hendersonville, Tennessee and Amy Shelly Adkisson and her husband Bob of Savannah, Tennessee; eight grandchildren: Anna Creswell (David), Shelly McCulley (Matt), Taylor Ezell (Jordan), Addy Adkisson, John Michael Ezell, Abram Adkisson, Elizabeth Ezell, Micah Lyn Ezell; eight great-grandchildren: Cohen, Isla, Lochlan, Eliza, Callum, Eleanor, Elsie, Hunter Lyn; brother Tom White (Tina), Sherri Ballinger (Jamie), sister-in-law Glenda White, all of Dyersburg, Tennessee.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jimmie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ora Hendrix; brother, Estel White; sister-in-law, Brenda Bendel; and brother-in-law, Wayne Shelly.
Jimmie leaves her family and friends with treasured memories, the example of her faith, and the lasting gift of her love. Her presence will be deeply missed, and her family looks forward to the day they will be united again.
