Mary Helen Shelby, age 92, passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at her home.  Mary was born on January 15, 1929 to her parents the late Wise Dingus and Madel Perrigin Dingus.  She was the wife of the late Richard L. Shelby Sr., a homemaker, and a member of Pine Chapel Freewill Baptist Church for 73 years.  

    Along with her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by one sister, Nora Burgess, and three brothers, Ralph, Berlin, and John Dingus.

     Mary is survived by one daughter, Eva Rae (James) Bates, one son, Richard L. Shelby Jr., two grandchildren, Stephanie Nickels, Laura (Don) Wright, four great grandchildren, William Nickels, Jacob Nickels, Logan Wright, Gavin Wright, and a host of loving family and friends. 

   Visitation will be Wednesday at 11a.m. at the Lucas & Son Funeral Home.  The funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 at 1p.m. at the Lucas & Son Funeral Home with Russell Hall officiating.  Burial will follow in the Green Acres Cemetery in Whitesburg, Ky.