Shelly Clark Stuart, 69, of Columbia, TN passed peacefully from her earthly home to dwell in the house of the Lord forever on June 14, 2024. She was predeceased by her loving parents Dr. Roger Graham Stuart, Sr. and Margaret Clark Stuart, and brother John Wesley Stuart. She is survived by brothers Dr. Roger Graham Stuart, Jr.(Celeste), Steven Eric Stuart, and Jeb Forrest Stuart(Janet), and sisters Sherry Lynn Stuart and Karla Ann Dumal (Craig). Shelly is also survived by nieces Sarah Stuart, Rachel Duke(Joshua), Olivia Moran(Dalton), and nephew Brandon Stuart. Also surviving are many cousins.
Shelly grew up in Gulfport, MS. Upon graduation from Gulfport East High School, she attended Perkinston Junior College where she reigned as homecoming queen her sophomore year. Two years later she completed her degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her long career had firsts: she was the first female officer in the Pearl, MS police force-she was awarded officer of the year, and soon thereafter became one of the first female Special Agents in the FBI, serving 26 years.
Upon retirement Shelly moved to her ‘special place’ in Columbia, TN. She was an avid lover of animals, especially horses and rescue dogs. One of her favorite hobbies was riding cutting horses, and she won several awards. She belonged to the National Cutting Horse Association where she developed many close friendships with people whom she loved like family.
Shelly cared deeply for others, especially those going through health issues or life trials. She exemplified God’s selfless love, love turned outward, away from self, directed to others. She was a very special lady and will be sorely missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM, June 21, 2024 at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home 320 W 7th St, Columbia, TN (931 388 4711). Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home between 2:00-4:00 PM Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to one of her favorite charities: St Jude’s, Nashville Humane Society, Harrison County (Mississippi) Humane Society, or the French Camp Academy in French Camp, MS.
