Shelly Steddum

Shelly was my little sister, best friend, and another mom to my son and daughters. She made us laugh until we cried and loved everyone unconditionally. My heart will never be full again, and I can't imagine waking up every day knowing she isn't in this world with me. I got to love her for over 44 years, but another 44 would have never been enough. I pray this pain will get easier to bear. Shelly was loved beyond measure, but I know she's now with our mom and dad. She's up there singing and dancing with the angels.

Shelly, I can’t believe I’m writing this here, I planned to write it next month in a card for you and John. You are the best thing to ever happen to John he loved you , you made him a better person . We look around at y’all’s house and see what all you did or talked him into doing , like I tell everyone you you made his bachelor pad into y’all’s home . We loved your sense of humor and how you teased the guys about their shirts “ Don’t they sell men’s shirts where you got that one” ! Jonesey and I would laugh at how you both side eyed us when we came into church late . We loved how you loved Ash and Luci from day one and would take numerous FaceTime calls from Luci because she wanted to talk . We will never forget you , you were John’s soulmate . God Speed , Jan

I loved Shelly just like a sister. Her dad and my dad were very good friends as we grew up together. I remember her giving me encouraging words when I needed it and no matter was going on with her, she could always make me laugh and feel better. Our dads coached a baseball team together and her and Kevin her little brother would be at my house often. She would be right in there with all the baseball boys and tell me I didn't need to take anything from them when they would tease me. She was the light of the room and was one of my favorite people. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to hug her neck and spend time with her before she moved. She lived in my brothers rent house and I had just moved into one. She made it a point to come see me. She will always be in my heart.

Shelly , you were the best daughter n law we could’ve asked for . You were so good for John And I know you would’ve been great married. I was just at your house and seen the sign you had made “ thank you for the best year of my life” it was obvious you loved it here in the country with John. Before you went to the beach with your sister , John called and said while Shelly is gone will you help me paint the bedroom , I said sure but why ? He said Shelly wants it grey , he always trying to please you. Loved your jokes about our tight shirts asking if they sold bigger ones where we got those , I would say I like them tight and you would just laugh. I don’t know why God took you so young but you are going to be missed here . See you later ! Jonesey ( future Father N Law)

Shelly, I don't even know where to begin! I can't even believe that I'm even having to write this! We have been best sister friends for over 20 years! You definitely loved with all your heart! If you were friends with someone that meant for life! When we reconnected it was like we never lost touch and the memories that we share there are only just a few that have the same memories! Our favorite song 4 Non Blondes WHAT'S GOING ON we wore that cassette tape out! From can't we all just get along,to the dill weed,to Kevin and Albert picking on you and you paying them back when they were asleep and to the big stick you carried around we had some crazy times! We all were looking forward to celebrating your wedding coming up! You are going to be missed by so many! Your laugh was one of a kind and would make anybody laugh! I'm going to MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY!!!! I will never forget the friendship that we shared! I love you and gonna to miss you! Lana

I’m one of Shellys many cousins on her mommas side. I’ve only gotten to see Shelly a handful of times in my adult life and each time it was like no time had passed from the time before. I am so very thankful for Facebook. This may seem like an odd thing to say here, but, it’s totally relevant. There are a lot of us 1st cousins and our ages and locations are all spread out. I’ve always loved everyone and have always wanted to be closer with everyone, and to have more family get togethers. I was so excited to see Shelly on Facebook years ago and it gave me a way to feel closer to her and to see her and her children growing up and to have a little glimpse of what she’s up to. I got to see how funny and loving she was. I’d comment and “like” “love” or “laugh” at photos and posts and she to mine. It seems so silly to be mentioning this as ways I’ve had memories with her but I’ll take that over only seeing her every few years! I was So looking forward to going to her wedding! I was devastated to hear of her passing. I’m thinking of Rhonda, Albert and Kevin and all the kids and grandkids. This is a terrible loss for our family. I have Feelings of peace, however, when I think of her and Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Albert being together in heaven. Until we meet again my super sweet cousin!! I will miss our frequent virtual interactions that I will always cherish.

I’m one of Shellys many cousins on her mommas side. I’ve only gotten to see Shelly a handful of times in my adult life and each time it was like no time had passed from the time before. I am so very thankful for Facebook. This may seem like an odd thing to say here, but, it’s totally relevant. There are a lot of us 1st cousins and our ages and locations are all spread out. I’ve always loved everyone and have always wanted to be closer with everyone, and to have more family get togethers. I was so excited to see Shelly on Facebook years ago and it gave me a way to feel closer to her and to see her and her children growing up and to have a little glimpse of what she’s up to. I got to see how funny and loving she was. I’d comment and “like” “love” or “laugh” at photos and posts and she to mine. It seems so silly to be mentioning this as ways I’ve had memories with her but I’ll take that over only seeing her every few years! I was So looking forward to going to her wedding! I was devastated to hear of her passing. I’m thinking of Rhonda, Albert and Kevin and all the kids and grandkids. This is a terrible loss for our family. I have Feelings of peace, however, when I think of her and Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Albert being together in heaven. Until we meet again my super sweet cousin!! I will miss our frequent virtual interactions that I will always cherish.

Shelly has been apart of my life since I was 16 years old. A piece of my heart will forever have a hole in it with her passing. She was the best Aunt and Great Aunt anyone could ever have. She was always there for my boys and I no matter what; any hour of the day or night. She loved her Great Nephews so much. Often times you could find her in the stands at any of their sporting events yelling the loudest and trying to sneak a picture. I can still hear her infectious laugh and some of the funny things she'd say..."Get it" and "Koopity Doopity". Shelly, we miss you immensely. This pain is nearly unbearable. We think and talk about you and all the times we've had with you every single day. Life is not the same without you. You were such a light in our lives. We love you so much.

Shelly: You were an awesome aunt to my kids, we were good friends before my kids came along. I always have missed all those times we made the pizza deliveries and was gone for a long time. lol You were always so funny and upbeat about everything. I will for sure miss you and what you meant to me and my kiddos. Love you always. Dianna

You ALWAYS smiled when you were around Shelly! She was boisterous and full of life! She always asked how you were doing and actively listened to your response. Her spirit was strong and you felt that around her. That strength of spirit and love is why there is such a hole now inside everyone. There is a void in our lives that will forever host her memory. God rest your soul Shelly and grant us all the piece and comfort for our loss of all that was YOU! You were loved and you will be missed!

Shelly, the year we had with you was far too little, but I am so grateful we got that year. You loved my brother so well, and every single time you were around you played with Luci and made her laugh. She loved calling John and asking where you were, and you two would talk and laugh back and forth. You both have joy springing from you. I’m so glad I got to have you as my sister-in-law and the way you encouraged and loved Luci and I. I’ll never understand why we didn’t get so much longer with you, but I know you and James are having a blast cracking each other up in Heaven. I can’t wait to see you again. P.S. Luci still hasn’t turned into a chicken nugget…. Yet.

My sweet Shell! You have been a friend to me since grade school! I have so many wonderful memories with you! Going to your house and having sleep overs, playing basketball, volleyball, and rollerskating! You always made us all laugh and have a good time! You were so excited when we found each other again on fb and found out we both had sons born on May 1 2001! I love ya girl and can’t believe you are gone! You will always have a special place in my ?? Keep em rolling in heaven my sweet friend like only you can! Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives