of Conway, AR
March 10, 1926 - August 30, 2015
Gwendolen Rees-Jones Shell, 89, of Conway, Arkansas died August 30, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dr. John Robert Shell, a son, John Robert Shell, Jr., and her brother, Trevor William Rees-Jones of Dallas, TX.
She was born March 10, 1926 in Miami, OK, to the Reverend David and Etna (King) Rees-Jones. She graduated from Forest Avenue High School in Dallas, Texas. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and she graduated in 1947 from Maryville College in Maryville, TN.
She was life and spiritual partner with her husband who served as pastor at Dermott Presbyterian Church in Dermott, Arkansas, and First Presbyterian Church in Conway, Arkansas. Following his retirement from the Conway church, she and Dr. Shell also served interim pastor calls at many Presbyterian churches across Arkansas. These included Beebe, Benton, Dermott, Mena, Mountainburg, Stuttgart, and Walnut Ridge.
Mrs. Shell was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Conway where she served also an ordained Elder and member of the church's Session. She was a life-long member of the church choir and also served as a Sunday school teacher and occasional organist and pianist. She and her husband also were leaders in the Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment, now known as the Better Marriages organization.
Mrs. Shell is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Jane Shell Hanschu (Dan) of Neosho, MO; Martin William Shell (Lee Ann) of Los Altos, CA; Paul Calvin Shell of North Little Rock, and Philip Andrew Shell (Leah) of Little Rock; 10 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Shell was known as a sweet, warm and caring individual. She loved playing the piano and was an avid knitter. She also personified Will Rogers' adage and never met a stranger. She had a wonderful ability to make personal connections and then build upon those relationships to connect people to each other. Her partnership with her husband throughout their ministry together built communities, churches and lifelong friendships. Her family and friends will miss her loving smile, warm hug, sweet heart and gentle touch. But, her spirit of grace, care and compassion will continue to live on in the many hundreds of lives
she touched.
Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 4 at Shell Cemetery in Grant County. A service of celebration for her life will be at 10 AM on Saturday, September 5 at First Presbyterian Church, Conway, with the Reverend Mike Ulasewich officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be directed to the building fund at First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of the individual's choice.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Gwen, but she must have been a phenomenal lady to raise such a wonderful, kind and loving soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Paul. Peace.
Shell Family,
Gwen was always such a wonderful lady with a quick smile and encouraging word. She was the ideal pastor's wife. She will be missed not only by you but many others in the community. Her's was a life well lived in service to others.
My prayers are with the family. Iejoyed the Shell family immensely during my time in Conway. God bless you guys?
Gwen was a gracious and loving friend. We will miss her and John. We always looked forward to our time together. We enjoyed our visits to Conway all the more, because we knew that Gwen had the door open and pie ready. Our love and sympathy to her children. Don & MaryLee
Gwen was always so cheerful and kind and had the most wonderful smile. She always had a sweet story about her family...or a saying that John used often, and the love was always in her voice. She will be missed but not forgotten. I know she was very proud of her four children...always.
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Extending my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and praying that your faith will give you strength in this sad time.
Prayers and sympathy for all of you. What great memories we have of the stories of the friendship between our parents.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I always enjoyed my visits with your Mom. What a sweet lady!
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOUR MOM WAS A SPECIAL LADY. PRAYING FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY.
Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers. Peace be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you Mother well and she was a wonderful woman. Prayers for your family.
Nancy White Reves