Shelby Jean Arey

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Shelby Jean Arey, born January 19, 1953.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years, Thomas Arey; her parents, Joseph Shifflett and Barbara Meeks; and her brothers, Joseph and Jeffrey Shifflett.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Kristie Chittum, Shana (Preston) Witt , and Heather Arey; her sisters, Katherine Cook, Wanda (Bill) Woodard, and Julie (Blair) Woodard; and her brother, David (Dreama) Shifflett. She also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren, Kira (Dalton) Herrington, Zachary Arey, Teeghan (Dechlan) Linkous, Madison Witt, Colton Guess, and Persephone Witt, as well as four great-grandchildren, Harrison Ellwood, Carter Ellwood, Dakota Herrington, and Oliver Linkous.

To know Jean was to love her. She was strong-willed and stubborn in the best way, but she loved deeply and wholeheartedly. She was the heart of her family, helping raise multiple grandchildren and always making sure her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and love. She was truly one of the best homemakers, and her presence made everything feel a little more complete.

Jean also had a special love for her jewelry — whether she was going out or staying in, you could always count on her to be wearing her jewelry, with her makeup done and her perfume on, ready at a moment’s notice.

While our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing she is finally reunited with the love of her life. Her memory, her love, and the life she built will live on through all who knew her.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. 

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