of Conway, AR
April 19, 1927 - November 16, 2025
Ova Lee Shelby, 98, beloved by family, friends, church family and hundreds of former students, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of November 16, 2025. Born and raised near Bee Branch, Arkansas, she was the youngest of eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Myra Jones; her brothers, Troy, Claude and Ben Jones; sisters, Lula Northcutt, Eula Gummin, Beulah Arnold and Bertha Ward and her husband, Irvin Shelby, Jr.
Mrs. Shelby graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1943 of Southside High School. She married Jr. Shelby November 13, 1945 in San Francisco when he returned stateside from serving in the Navy during World War II. They came home from California for the funerals of their parents, Irvin Shelby, Sr. and Myra Jones in the spring of 1946 and never returned to California, living the rest of their lives in Conway, Arkansas. They both worked at the International Shoe factory for some years. At the age of 30, Mrs. Shelby began studies at ASTC (University of Central Arkansas) in elementary education. After graduation she taught fifth grade at Ida Burns for 27 years. She was a charter member of both Brumley Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church. She was Church Clerk for many years and taught Sunday School for 50 years. She was a Group Leader in Bible Study for 13 years. She set us all a wonderful example of a godly woman, which we can only hope to emulate.
Survivors are daughter, Dolores Treadway; grandsons, Matt (Suzanne) Rogers and Grant Rogers; great-grandchildren, Rayleigh and Gavin Rogers and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, November 21st at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral Services will be held at 10am Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church with burial following at Quattlebaum Cemetery in Bee Branch.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Rickey Gulley
Monday, December 8, 2025
I am so sad to hear of the death of Mrs. Shelby. I was a student of hers at Ida Burns Elementary School in the late 1980s.
The lessons that she taught me helped me to develop into the person that I am today.
Special thanks to her for the many years that she taught in Conway Public Schools.
She will definitely be missed by the members of my family and those who loved her.
Jennifer Steinbeck Ross
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Mrs Shelby was my 5th grade teacher at Ida Burns Elementary in the 70's. She was a blessing to "her" children and was a great educator. I didn't know about her passing until couple of days ago or I'd have stopped by. (I found out through Mrs Lucy Ross who has been my mother-in-law for 6+ years)
Prayers for everyone. She was a wonderful Lady.
Reba Wood
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Dolores and family, I only heard of Mrs. Shelby's passing last night. I am so sorry! She was truly a treasure to anyone who knew her. A true picture of steady, constant faith in Jesus. Few women have influenced me as much as she did. I would certainly have attended her service if I had known. David sends his condolences and regrets that we did not know. He also thinks of her as a true example of what a Christian woman should be. She was very loved by our family and will be so fondly remembered.
Clemontene Pilgrim Akins
Monday, November 24, 2025
Dolores, l am sorry for your loss. You don't know me but l am Nancy Chandlers granddaughter. My grandmother used to iron for your family and l was often there when Mrs. Shelby would come pick up her clothes. She was a very kind and sweet lady to my grandmother . My prayers are with your family 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Carolyn Harris-Hammond
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Hello Dolores, I want you to know that I am thinking of you and your Mom today. I believe that I was in your Mom's very first class she taught. It was Ida Burns fifth grade 1962/63. I loved having Mrs. Shelby
as a teacher.
God bless you and your family today and always.
Carolyn Harris-Hammond
Karen Matthewx
Friday, November 21, 2025
I was very lucky to Mrs. Shelby as my student teacher when I was a student at Ida Burns Elementary. Then several years later I returned to Ida Burns as a teacher and was thrilled to be with her teacher to teach. She was always the example of dignity and professionalism. She will be missed by those lucky enough to have known and be influenced by her. Prayers of comfort and peace for her family.
Allen, Michelle and Raeann Mallett
Friday, November 21, 2025
We are thankful that Mrs. Shelby entered our lives, I will always remember her bringing the bible to life for us. Her giving of her study inspired and warmed our hearts. She was tickled once when I call her a gem. She is truly the rarest of gems. I love her for being so loving and kind to us and our family. We will carry her memory through our days. Deepest Sympathy to you all during this time.
Karen Varner
Friday, November 21, 2025
Well done, good and faithful servant! She touched many lives with the love God gave to her!
Terri Shotts
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Mrs. Shelby was my 5th grade teacher at Ida Burns. I remember her fondly. My condolences to her friends and family.
Linda Stafford
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
She lived such a rewarding life. I know you'll miss her.
Gina Driscoll
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Delores and family so sorry for your loss. I didn't realize she was 5 years older than mom. She lived a wonderful life dedicated to God. She was a great friend to mom and dad. I wish they could have spent more time together in later years. Mom loved the calls from Ova Lee. She would be worn out from talking and laughing. My prayers are with you.
Charlotte Troutman
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Mrs. Shelby - the best 5th grade teacher. Loved this lady. Thought and prayers for the family m
Jason Bradley
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
My condolences to you Dolores, Matt, Grant and your families. My dad, Carroll adored his aunt Ova Lee. I always enjoyed the times we spent at her and Jr's house.
Mary Langston
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed many years of working with Ova Lee at Ida Burns Elementary. She was a precious lady!
Rebecca LeMaster
Monday, November 17, 2025
I enjoyed reading your story. Very interesting.
Susan Osborn-Cockrell
Monday, November 17, 2025
Mrs. Shelby made a lasting impression on me as one of her former students. She encouraged my love of reading and set the bar high as an example of a Christian and a beloved teacher. She truly left her mark in this world and I know she is celebrating with our Lord in heaven.
Jeff Bradley
Monday, November 17, 2025
Dolores and family- sorry to hear this news about Aunt Ova Lea's passing. I'm very appreciative of the love she and Jr. shared toward my father and our family over these many years. God bless you all. Condolences, Jeff
Ann Bearden
Monday, November 17, 2025
What a wonderful life of faithful service. Her legacy and example is an amazing encouragement to those whose lives she touched.
I pray for God's peace and comfort for her family and friends.
Glenda D. McNew
Monday, November 17, 2025
You expected it, but you are never really prepared. I've lost my parents, my former husband, grandparents, and many others, but losing my Mother was like losing a part of my soul.
Christie and I will be thinking about you and your family.