Nancy Lee Shelley

Nancy Lee Shelley, born on January 7, 1945, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her parents, General and Geneva Lee; and her siblings, Gail Lee, Ancil Lee, James Boyd Lee, Miranda Helton, Waylon Lee and General Lee, Jr.
Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Vernon Shelley. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with farming, cooking, gardening, fishing, and traveling—simple joys they treasured.
Nancy was a dedicated and hardworking woman, spending 35 years in service to the Kentucky Department of Transportation. She also served two terms on the Farm Service. After retirement, she found great joy in gardening, puzzles, photography, and cooking. She loved canning – her passion and skill for it won her several blue ribbons.
She had a deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation—especially birds, plants, flowers, and landscapes.
A faithful member of Jellico Creek Baptist Church, Nancy enjoyed serving alongside the women’s group, especially when it came to preparing meals and caring for others.
But above all, Nancy loved her family. She was their biggest supporter, always offering encouragement, strength, and unconditional love. Her life was a shining example of sacrificial giving, quiet strength, and deep affection.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her loving sister, Georgia Lowe, and her husband Willard; her son, Richard Alan Gibbs, and his wife Angie; her daughter, Aneisa Rolen, and husband Curtis. Her grandchildren—Larry Alan Gibbs (Shea), Bethany Foley (Brent), Logan Gibbs, and Hailey McDonald—brought her great joy, as did her beloved great-grandchildren: Julie Karsyn Gibbs, Benjamin Lee Foley, Lola Beth Foley, Jack Michael Foley, and Luke Alan Foley.
She will also be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who adored her.
Nancy’s gentle and generous spirit lives on in each life she touched. Her love was a steady light, and though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to bless those who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM on Friday, July 18, at the Jellico Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Max Cox, Rev. Doyle Lester, and Pastor Brent Foley officiating.
Interment will be in the Jellico Creek Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6:00 PM Thursday, July 17, at the Ellison Funeral Home and 11:00 AM until the funeral hour Friday, July 18, at the Jellico Creek Baptist Church.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.