Shelby Jean Senters

Shelby Jean Senters, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 20, 2025, at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga TN. She was 85. Shelby's life was a testament to love, strength, and laughter, reflecting the light of Jesus to all who knew her. Her legacy of faith and family will forever inspire those she touched.
Born on August 15, 1940, to Roxie (Marcum) and Junior Randolph Bragg in Kermit, West Virginia, Shelby was the fifth of nine children, born after four brothers and before four younger sisters. After losing their mother, Shelby, at just 10, became a caretaker for her younger sisters. Orphaned after their father's passing a short time after their mother's, the siblings were separated but remained close, supporting one another. Shelby cherished her role as "Aunt Shelb," sharing countless adventures and stories with her nieces and nephews.
At 15, Shelby moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as a waitress at Coney Island. There, she met Steve Senters, her husband of 54 years, until his passing in 2012. Later they left the Columbus Oh suburbs and moved to a mountainside in Harlan Kentucky where they raised six children.
Shelby's servant heart shone through her role as a babysitter for many families, nurturing children who kept in touch with her as they grew. In Harlan, she was an active member of the Harlan (Sunshine) Church of God for over 20 years, serving as church secretary, volunteering for plays and dinners, and any way she could serve. After relocating to Dalton, Georgia, to be closer to her children and grandchildren, she joined LifeGate Church of God, where she continued to serve and formed lasting friendships.
Known for her playful spirit, Shelby delighted her grandchildren with silly faces and games. Her adventurous side led her on rides through the mountains of her West Virginia homeplace, creating treasured memories. No matter the challenge, Shelby offered the perfect words of comfort, humor and warmth uplifting everyone around her.
Shelby was preceded in death by her parents, Roxie and Junior Bragg; her husband, Steve Senters; brothers, Leonard (Myrt) Bragg, Landon "Duke" (Jenny) Bragg, and Lincoln (Carol) Bragg; sister, Jenny (Roger) Cook; daughter, Beckie Senters; and grandson, Steve Senters III.
She is survived by her siblings, Ray Bragg, Ruth Davis, Jodie Sword, and Edith Cline; children, Steve Senters Jr., Sandi Senters-Shields, David (Carolyn) Senters, LaDonna (Dwayne), and Barbi Senters; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friend, Katrina Taylor.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 22, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Burial will be at United Memorial Gardens.
Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.
Arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home of Dalton. For more information, please call 706-259-7455.