Lloydis Shelby Sr.

Lloydis Shelby Sr. was born on April 27, 1930 to Roy S. and Rubie Ainsworth Crosby in Soso, Mississippi. He was the only child born to this union.  

Lloydis confessed Christ at an early age where he worked diligently in various churches with his father, Pastor Roy S. Shelby.

            He was educated at Shady Grove School in SoSo, MS. During this time he was very active in sports.  He was a guard on the basketball team. He was a fighter on and off the court and earned the nickname “Soldier”. After completing high school, he relocated to Joliet, IL. Missing the love of his life, he went back to Mississippi to get his bride. He married Lou Ann Lindsey on December 28, 1954. To this union, 6 children were born, one who died at birth a daughter, Rubia Westenia Shelby in 1955. Lloydis and Lou Ann remained married until God called her home in November, 2009.

            He worked at Pratts Foundry from 1950-1960 and later worked as a Custodian with Joliet Township High School District 86 until he retired in 1993. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He grew various vegetables and the more he gave, the more God blessed his land and labor. 

He faithfully worked in various churches while living in Joliet. Upon his arrival in Joliet, he joined Brown Chapel AME Church and was a member of the steward board. In 1960, he joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. James McNear, where he was an usher. Later, he was ordained as a Deacon in 1965. In 1977, he moved his membership to Mt. Ebal Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. T. Pinnick. While at Mt. Ebal, he served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendant. He later joined Holy Cross MB Church under the leadership of Rev. S. Thigpen.  Still serving as a deacon, he rejoined Mt. Ebal Baptist Church in 1996. He taught Sunday school and trained many deacons during his life. He loved to tell stories, and most of them were told during Sunday school and church. Those stories were funny and church was filled with laughter upon hearing them. He continued faithfully under Pastor C. Ervins until his infirmities did not allow him to.

Deacon Lloydis Shelby Sr. made his transition from his earthly life at home surrounded by loved ones.  He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lou Ann and Son-in-Law, Carlous Wires, Sr. Left to cherish his memories are his Five children: Rubieleen (Rev. LeRoy) Ford of Winchester, VA, Lloydis (Jewel) Shelby Jr. of Warrenville, SC, Vivian Wires of Quincy, IL, Dovie Shelby of Romeoville, IL and Arthur (Nikia) Shelby of Romeoville, IL. One Brother-in-law, Tommie Lindsey of Santa Ana, CA, 11 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lloydis Shelby Sr., please visit our floral store.