Shelby Ruth Dodson

Shelby was born on November 30, 1944 and passed away on  June 7, 2025 at 80 years young.  Shelby was a lifelong resident of Fayette and served the community and her church tirelessly her entire life.  Shelby was a gifted softball player and shared her passion by coaching many years in the adult and youth leagues in Fayette, influencing hundreds of players during her career.  She had a passion for bottle collecting, arts and crafts, helping friends and loved ones during times of need, and watching college sports.  She also loved spoiling her dog and cat that she treated like her kids.  

Shelby is preceded in death by her father H.B. Crawley, her mother Ruth Crawley, her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Earl Ballinger.  She is survived by her son Jeff Dodson (Jodi), her brother Dan Crowley, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at 3- P.M. from Nelson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:30 - 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Shelby wanted to extend a special thanks to her nieces Brenda Robbins, Beth Wallace, and Janet Litton, along with her stepdaughter Julie Dodson for their care during her illness.  Special thanks also go out to her lifelong friend Dean Davis, neighbors Joe and Wanda Sanders, and her church family at Covin Baptist Church that prayed for and supported her throughout the years.  

The family would like to also thank the staff at Fayette Medical Center and the Fayette Nursing Home, the staff at DCH Regional Medical Center, Amedisys Hospice of Hamilton, AL, and the staff at the Walmart Pharmacy in Fayette.  Also, a special thanks to the many friends that gave her so much selfless support during her life. 

Pall bearers- Tom Whitley, Brian Deal, Scott Rushing, Allen Duckworth, Randall Carroll, Merrell Nolen

Honorary pall bearers- Joe and Wanda Sanders, Toni and Marilyn Patrick, Buddy Smith, J.B. and Darlene Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fayette County Animal Shelter.

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