| Date of Birth | July 6, 1940 |
| Passed Away | October 29, 2008 |
| Place of Residence | Avoca |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Time | Private Service |
| Service Location | Avoca Funeral Home |
| Interment Location | Ashley Cemetery |
SHELBY JEAN HARRIS
AVOCA-Shelby Jean Harris, 68, of Avoca, died unexpectedly Wednesday (Oct. 29, 2008) at her home.
Born in Wheeler on July 6, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Doris Myers Merrills. On Oct. 9, 1965 she was married in Avoca to Wayne W. “Bucky” Harris, who predeceased her on Sept. 26, 2000 after 35 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Robert Merrills.
A graduate of Avoca Central School, Shelby was also employed there as a teacher’s aide.
She was a member of the Wheeler Methodist Church and the Avoca Historical Society.
Shelby loved to garden and also enjoyed doing needlepoint, crocheting and reading.
Her family includes her son, Doug (DeLora) Sullivan of Wayland; her grandchildren, Marshal (Beth) Sullivan of South Dansville and Danielle Sullivan of Wayland; her cousin, Gail Weber of Conesus; her sister-in-law, Pam (Tom) Bolton of Avoca; her nephew, Mike Merrills of Wayland; her niece, Sandy (Jim) Scott of Elmira and her special friends, Carolyn (Ron) Matthews of Bath and Jeanine (Don) Ledger.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of her family at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca. Committal services and Interment will be at Ashley Cemetery, Springwater.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Avoca Historical Society or the Wheeler Methodist Church.
So sorry to hear the sad news of Shelbys passing. We were class mates and good friends most all of our lives. She was a fun loving lovable person that everyone enjoyed. She will be missed but never forgotten. Our hearts and prayers are with her family.
Pam-Tom and family
Many years had I known Shelby.
We went to school together——-We worked together @ ACS and remainded
friends.
She will be missed by everyone with her jokes & laughter.
Bless her soul , she will make Heaven a happier place-rejoined with many friends
Shelby made things fun. She will be missed as a former classmate and friend.
Shelby’s family and friends,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Shelby’s passing. Our memories of her go way back to the 50’s and so many laughs and good conversations over all these years! She will be missed by so many, but heaven will be an even happier place with her there!
Doug & Family
We were so surprised and saddened by the news of Shelby’s death. We had been keeping in touch with Shelb via email. She had a special RV parking spot for un in the driveway, that we used many times. Her meals, conversation, & hospitality we will miss greatly. Shelby was a very private person, but opened up to us as family to be known as “one-of-the-last-of-the-great-generation”. In these times, ” What A True Great-American” she was. They just don’t make them like Shelby anymore. Thank God we were able to take advantage of our time with her.
A memorial has been sent to our local church in rememberance of her.
Thoughts & Prayers from Wayne’s brother & Wife
Jim & Joyce Harris
Minot, ND
jeharris@srt.com
I am sure going to miss my sparing partner. Shelby if you can, let us know what it is like “Dancing with the Stars.” You were certainly a star in the Avoca and Wheeler communities. I was not surprised to see you wished a private farewell. That was just like Shelby – no fanfare, just get ‘er done! Doug please accept our sympathy. Your sister was one heck of a gal loved by many and missed by all. Rick Nicholson and Cathy Rouse-Nicholson. Wheeler, NY.
Shelby had the most wonderful personality always caring and humorous. She will be missed by so many people. May her family find comfort knowing that she was loved by the ones that she touched. We are sure that she was very much welcomed into heaven.
Doug and Family so sorry to hear of Aunt Shelby’s passing. Just can’t beleive she’s gone. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelby was my teaching assistant at Avoca Central School for several years. She was very dedicated to her job and the students at the school. She was a wonderful person! I am sad to hear of her passing and will miss her fiesty spirit.
Bill and I want the family to know how saddened we are at Shelby’s sudden death. She was a jewel of a human being. We will miss her jolly jokeing sense of humor. She always had a kind word and smile for everyone. Avoca central school and Woody’s Grocery store were better places because of Shelby.
Shelby was a great friend of my mother’s years ago and mine too. What a joyous person and great sense of humor!! Thinking of her, a smile on my face is a sure thing.