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Dorothy Vickers-Shelley Obituary
URBANA – Dorothy Ann Vickers-Shelley, 74, of Urbana passed away on Friday, July 24, 2009, at the Carle Arbours, Savoy.
Born Nov. 22, 1934, in Detroit, Mich., she was the daughter of Thaddaeus George and Thelma Louise (Young) Vickers. She married Clarence Shelley on April 21, 1957; their marraige ended in divorce. Ms. Vickers-Shelley is survived by two daughters, Dana Vickers Shelley (Robert A. Glasner) of Baltimore, Md., and Pamela Alyse Vickers Shelley of Urbana; one brother, Ronald George (Jenice Renee) Vickers of Clinton Twonship, Mich.; one nephew Anthony Duane (Carren) Vickers of Buford, Ga; and her former husband, Clarence Shelley of Champaign.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Ms. Vickers-Shelley earned her bachelor's (Elementary Education) and master's (Library Science) degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a teacher and librarian at Yankee Ridge Elementary School in Urbana for 33 years, retiring in 2003. She pursued her passion for social justice through professional and community service throughout her life. Ms. Vickers-Shelley was a Lifetime Member, NAACP; member, National Council of Negro Women; Delta Sigma Theta, National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, Champaign Library Board, Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund and Busey Bank's Community Re-Investment Act Advisory Scholarship Committee.
She supported the Urbana Free Library and the Champaign Public Library, sharing her enthusiasm for knowledge and learning with children and adults alike.
She played the piano, learned to tap dance at age 45, and loved all forms of music from Motown to Opera.
Services and visitation will be held at Salem Baptist Church, 500 East Park Ave., Champaign. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 30, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. (family will be present from 6 to 7 p.m.). Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2009, at 12 p.m. The Reverend Claude E. Shelby Sr. will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana.
Memorials may be made to the Urbana Free Library.
Ministry of Comfort Provided by Perry's Twin City Mortuary Service of Champaign.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Vickers-Shelley
Daniel Kitron
July 9, 2024
Mrs. Vickers-Shelley was a truly special and influential person in my early life at Yankee Ridge. I see people sharing her "crusader" credo which I had forgotten. She had another that began with "My mind is the greatest gift I will ever receive. I promise to use it..." Does anyone remember the rest?
October 30, 2009
My condolences.
"Life is short ... therefore, I shall be a crusader in the fight against ignorance and fear, beginning with myself."
Ms. Dorothy Vickers-Shelley. She taught me to love reading, learning, growing. A great teacher, motivator and person. Much love!
joyce herron-taylor
August 10, 2009
Please accept the condolences of the Wayne State University family. We knew Mrs. Vickers-Shelley through her then husband, Clarence Shelley. We were his HEOC students, but she played a big part in his life as the mother of his children. May the Lord give you peace.
Jane Foley Bell
August 4, 2009
Dana, I'm regret not being able to get to Champaign to see you and give you a hug and my deepest sympathy. Your mother was a remarkable woman and I regret not getting to know her better. Your life is a testament to her greatness. Hope we can talk in the future. Much love,
August 3, 2009
To My Dear Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of my cousin, Dorothy Vickers-Shelly, affectionally known to us as Dottie.
She was responsible for keeping up with the family information when we planned reunions. She was the one you could ask of how our family branches connected. She will truly be missed. For the younger family members that didn't have the pleasure and honor of knowing her, I hope you learn how special she was from older members of our family.
Ron, Dana, and Pam you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you!
Sincerely,
Miss Stephanie Young
Vanessa Waltz
August 3, 2009
My most vivid memories of my years at Yankee Ridge (late 70s-early 80s) are of Mrs. Vickers-Shelley. More than once over the years, I have shared her signature quote with friends, and always prefaced it by saying what an amazing, unique and impressive woman she was.
Reading this guest book, I have recognized the names of classmates I haven't seen in decades. It goes without saying that Mrs. Vickers-Shelley made a great impression on all of us, and it's clear that she will be missed by many generations of students and friends.
Jean(ie) Merkelo
August 3, 2009
CDB! Yup, that's right. My favorite book. Only Dorothy-Vickers Shelley could bring to life and make memorable a book that had only letters for words. I waited for the familiar bangles and jingles on each page turn.
She was about the most fascinating person I had the pleasure of coming across in my childhood. Waiting to see what she would do and say next rivaled Disney's finest.
There is nothing like growing up and being educated in a community where people care about you and give you stability you entitle yourself to take for granted.
How many of us heard the familiar jingles and jangles of her fantastic adornment from around a corner years later, and were stopped in our tracks upon being addressed, often from a distance, by our childhood names?
She will be missed, but oh the reunion on The Other Side!
With Great Gratitude and Love,
Priya Monrad
August 2, 2009
Mrs. Vickers-Shelley was an unforgettable lady! I was a student at Yankee Ridge over twenty years ago, and I still clearly remember her humor and dignity - as well as the purple-pointed stick and the stories she read to us. I'm so glad that I had someone like her in my childhood, and she will be greatly missed.
David Williams
August 1, 2009
Dear Dana and Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy and love,
DW Williams
debra rucks
July 31, 2009
dear dana and pam you were blessed with a fantastic mom. i remember you dana from girl scouts and from the choir at st. luke cme. take care and God bless. my sympathies with your families.
Maya Anderson
July 31, 2009
I'll never forget you. You were an inspiration to the world of literacy and guiding me in the right direction during my time at Yankee Ridge. I will never forget the day you came and picked me up from my home so that I could participate in the school play and I will never forget your favorite color being purple. Love you forever
Kathleen Murray
July 30, 2009
I worked with Dorothy at Yankee Ridge School for many years. She touched so many students' lives and will always be remembered. She was a woman of conviction. My sympathies to her family.
Jonell Hastings
July 30, 2009
Dorothy made the color purple, Royal.
Susan M. Smith Ross
July 30, 2009
Dana and Pam, I am unable to travel to CU for your mom's homegoing. She was a terrific, witty, inspirational and oh so cool :-) She will definitely be missed!
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Gerrietts-Lutton
July 30, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Vickers-Shelley's passing. I had the privilege of being a student at Yankee Ridge more than 20 years ago. She was such an inspiration to many students over the years. She taught us so much, and not just about books, she taught us about life, courage, tolerance and changing the world "beginning with myself".
Some people have a great impact on others lives, Mrs Vickers-Shelley was one of those people and her spirit will be greatly missed.
Libby Nelson
July 30, 2009
Ms. Vickers-Shelley gave the best hugs. She always squeezed so tightly. Library times were always some of my favorite at Yankee Ridge. We are all certainly better for knowing her. She will always be missed and remembered of fondly.
Life is short... therefore, I shall be a crusader in the fight against ignorance and fear, beginning with myself.
What's the most important part?
Beginning with myself.
Carla & Mykhail Chambers
July 30, 2009
Dana, Pam and Dean Shelley:
I send you my heartfelt condolences. Mrs. Vickers-Shelley was always a positive force in so many lives. I remember her always having a encouraging word. She made both Mykhail and I honorary members of your family. This I will always cherish. I will miss visiting her @ the Arbours and her quick wit. She made so many people laugh and always ended each visit with a positive thought. She was a driving force in my decision to work with children. She will be greatly missed, but know that she had an impact on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
Rana (Plankenhorn)Eagan
July 30, 2009
My time in the Yankee Ridge library was not only educational but magical and that was fostered by our one and only Mrs. Vickers-Shelley. She was an outstanding woman, full of life, joy, and good humor. She sparked in me the love of reading that still lives within me today. I will always be greatful to her for that and hope to do her justice by teaching my daughter to read and enjoy books as she did for me. My most recent memory of her was when I went to visit her in the hospital a few years back and she called me Rhonda instead of Rana just like she used to. It makes me smile to think about that. All of us that went to Yankee Ridge, that had the opportunity to be read to and educated by her will forever be greatful for her tenacity and strength. Sincerest Simpathies to all of her family.
July 30, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Ms. Vickers-Shelley's passing. She was my librarian at Yankee Ridge a good 20 or so years ago now, and I know that my life was much enriched by her knowledge and passion for reading. She has had such a great impact on so many people, and the world is a sadder place without her. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Beth Anderson
July 30, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Ms. Vickers-Shelley's passing. She was my librarian at Yankee Ridge a good 20 or so years ago now, and I know that my life was much enriched by her knowledge and passion for reading. She has had such a great impact on so many people, and the world is a sadder place without her. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Jeremy Kaufman
July 29, 2009
Rarely can a person make such a big impact on so many lives. Dorothy Vickers-Shelley did so at Yankee Ridge. She balanced strict discipline with her love for all of us children there. She instilled a love of reading, curiosity, mutual respect, and above all, a call "to fight ignorance and fear beginning with myself." Urbana should be grateful for the many years that she shaped its youth. Like me, Urbana is better for her service. She will be missed.
Stephen Kaufman
July 29, 2009
To Dorothy's Family,
I am the father of two former Yankee Ridge students who had the immense good fortune to have the wisdom and enthusiasm for learning presented to them by Ms. Vickers-Shelley. My sons (now 40 and 37) have since moved on with their lives, so much the better for their experiences with her. Though it has been so many years since their days at Yankee Ridge, they routinely would ask after her and they sadly informed me of her passing.
I would often meet Dorothy about town, always with a warm smile, hug and a sincere interest in how David and Jeremy were doing. It was mind-boggling to me that she always recalled them and exactly where we left off in their lives in our last conversation. How did she ever remember the names of the thousands of her students? What a wonderful gift Dorothy gave to so many. She is and will always be remembered and greatly appreciated as an outstanding and caring teacher and humanitarian. I deeply share your sorrow.
Jessica Hayes
July 29, 2009
Dear Family,
Ms. Vickers-Shelley was my librarian (and my other four siblings) while I was a student at Yankee Ridge. I also worked part time last summer as a CNA at Carle Arbours, where I cared for Ms. Vickers-Shelley. Ms. Vickers-Shelley was a dynamic woman and educator who had a way of making all of the stories she read to us come alive. One of my fondest memories of her was reading to us in the Margaret Dees Library and how she would jokingly threaten to tap dance on our heads with her size 10 shoes! As an educator myself (3rd grade teacher) Ms. Vickers-Shelley was one of my greatest inspirations. Ms. Vickers-Shelley was not only an outstanding educator but also an outstanding person overall who cared about her community and always showed love and respect to all she encountered. Although Ms. Vickers-Shelley is not with us phsyically I hope that her family knows that her legacy will live on forever in all the lives that she touched. I hope and pray that I have as great of an impact on my students as she had on my life.
May God be with you in your time of sorrow.
"Life is short...therefore I shall be a crusader in the fight against ignorance and fear beginning with myself."
margaret & family
July 29, 2009
to pamela,
My prayers go out to you and the family with the passing of your mother, who I had the honor of meeting and spending time with while my mother (kendra)cared for her at the arbours. I found out that during this time her favorite color was purple, and that she loved to call mama by her own name that she nicknamed her "Ruthy". Pam, and mr. clarence I watched the both of you come and go and care for her, your dedication to her will be blessed by our heavenly father.She will be missed, yet we know that she is in a better place her mansion that he has prepared for her. We love you, and our prayers for you will continue to go up for you.
July 29, 2009
Dana and family,
Please accept my condolences. From what I've heard about your mother, I feel like I knew her through you, Dana. Like you, she was a strong woman. Like you, she cared for others. Like you, she worked to improve the lives of others. What a blessing! Hang in there. "I need you to survive."
brandie gaines
July 29, 2009
I am sorry to hear of Ms. Vicker-Shelley's passing. I still remember the time she read to our class at Yankee Ridge. I remember the book she read that I love...The Giving Tree. Which i read to my childern to this day. She was a wonder librarian/teacher and person. she will be greatly missed.
Tina Lipscomb
July 29, 2009
Pug, I love you. I will always remember Dorothy, she was a mother to me. She was my librarian at YR, my guidance mother, friend and confidant. She was also the mother of my best friend. My prayes are with you, Dana and Dad.
July 29, 2009
Dear Pam, Dana and Clarence,
Dorothy was a very special person and she followed her dreams. Thank you for hanging her dancing shoes her room at Carle Arbors. The gesture made me smile every time I entered her room.
Mildred Barnes Griggs
Andrea Flenniken
July 29, 2009
Pamela,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a pleasure to take care of at the Carle Arbours ( I used to be a CNA there from 2003-2006 and you used to work with my Aunt at Carle). She made the work fun and was a joy to work with. My prayers are with you and your family. Please take care.
Andrea Flenniken
Anyeta Isom
July 29, 2009
Pam,
My prayers are with you and your family @ this time.
I remember sitting in church and looking forward to hearing your mom read the announcements!
Your mom was a great inspiration to me.
Anyeta L. Isom
Monica Burrus-Delage
July 29, 2009
I attended Yankee Ridge school and have many memories of Ms. Vickers-Shelley. She was truly an inspiration to so many of us at YR. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Amy Zeiders
July 29, 2009
I hope she knows the number of lives she has touched across the country as her former students have learned from her and spread her teachings "begining with myself".
Connie Scott
July 29, 2009
Pamela,
I was so very sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a beautiful woman. We know that we can get through our parents passing, but it doesn’t make the grief any less. My heart aches for you and your family and my prayers are with you.
Love Connie
John 14:3
Richard Sawyer
July 29, 2009
So sorry to here of Dorothy's passing.
My dad Clyde Sawyer worked with her at Yankee Ridge for many Years and was always very fond of her. She was a great teacher and i'am sure she is still missed at Yankee Ridge.
Richard Sawyer
Gene Amberg
July 29, 2009
Thank you to Ms. Vickers-Shelley for her long service and dedication to the children of Urbana.
Dorothy was a teacher/librarian who inspired her pupils with a desire to learn.
July 29, 2009
Pam, Clarence, and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dorothy will be missed in our Arbors family. Love Connie Carper
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