Tara Shellhouse

AIKEN, S.C. - Tara Lee Shellhouse, 38, the oldest daughter of Robert and Brenda Shellhouse, died Monday, March 12 at University Hospital after a life-long battle with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). CGD is a rare blood disorder affecting the immune system. Tara graduated from Aiken High School in 1991. She attended Southern Seminary College in Roanoke, VA. After finishing school, Tara was employed as an officer of Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc. Tara's many trials with CGD have been the subject of numerous professional articles. Her courageous battles will certainly aid in the eventual cure of the disease. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Fred W. Andrea III officiating. Entombment will follow in Historic Bethany Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Lee, Jay Nelson, Lee Prickett, Shawn O'Connor, Brian Young, Tommy Young, and Cody Anderson. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her two sisters, Tricia Renee Shellhouse (Brad) Swartz, Savannah, GA; Breigh Anne Shellhouse (Graham) Hall, Aiken; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dexter C. Lee, Jr.; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Robert W. Shellhouse, Sr.; niece, Lily Kate Swartz. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert W. Shellhouse, Sr., and maternal grandfather, Dexter C. Lee, Jr. Tara's family is indebted to Dr. Steven Holland and associates at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These infectious disease professionals and their ongoing research continue in the search for a cure. For these reasons, the family asks that memorials be directed to NIH, CGD Research-Dr. Steven Holland, and mailed to the National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 10-CRC, Room B3-4141, Bethesda, MD 20892-1684. Tara Lee's online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM Tuesday evening at Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc., 924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC