Shelby Jean Hanks

Shelby Jean Hanks, age 88, left this world on April 24, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was born on September 11, 1936, in Quitman County, Mississippi, to the late Kenneth Alexander and Aileen Pollock Mitchell.

The family will celebrate her life at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. Following the service, Shelby will be laid to rest in Crowder Cemetery in Crowder, MS. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Shelby was a retired office manager, known for her exceptional organizational skills and her ability to handle any task with grace. An outgoing person, she was always on the go, radiating warmth and friendliness wherever she went. She had a zest for life that was infectious, and her vibrant personality made her a delightful presence to those around her.

Aside from her career, Shelby found immense joy in baking. She loved creating delicious breads, cakes, and pies, often sharing her treats with friends and family. This act of kindness not only filled her loved ones' stomachs but also warmed their hearts, showcasing her generous spirit and love for others.

Shelby was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charles William Hanks and two sisters, Glynda Haley and Barbara McDaniel. She is survived by her son, Richard Massey (Donna) of Eagleville, Tennessee; her sisters, Betty Applewhite of Batesville, MS, Janet Helms of Senatobia, MS, and Wanda Walters of Batesville, MS; and her brother, Randy Mitchell of Crowder, MS. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Avery Massey (Amanda) and as a great-grandmother to Amelia Francis Massey, who brought her much joy.

Shelby Jean Hanks will be fondly remembered for her loving nature, her passion for baking, and her unwavering spirit. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.