Shelby Jean Akel

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Service Schedule
Celebration of Life Service
First Christian Church
915 S. Maple
Harrison, AR  72601
Saturday, August 31, 2019
10:00 AM
Memorial Contributions
First Christian Church
915 S. Maple
Harrison, AR  72601


Ozark Humane Society
5147 Rock Springs Road
Harrison, AR  72601
Shelby Jean Akel

of Harrison, AR

March 15, 1941 - August 27, 2019

Shelby Jean (Kimes) Akel, age 78, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, after a long battle with cancer. She was born to the late Raymond and Gladys (Salmon) Kimes on March 15, 1941. Shelby attended Berryville High School, before attending the University of Arkansas, where she became a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She was a pillar in the community owning Shelby's gift shop for 43 years mentoring her ''Shop Girls''; and a member of First Christian Church for over 50 years where she enjoyed serving as a deacon, an elder and a member of her Sunday school class, The Seekers. She took pride in Harrison and offered her time to participate in many community endeavors like Downtown Historical Society, Downtown Merchants, EAST Art Initiative at Harrison Jr. High and the NACC Arts program.

Shelby is survived by her loving husband, Abraham "Abe" Akel; her children Bill Rogers of Harrison; Shelby Beth Rogers and her husband Jerry Gurthet of Chicago; Becca Rogers Helble and her husband, Steve, of Austin, Texas; Michael Akel and his wife, Kim, of Austin, Texas; Larkin Akel Jones and her husband, Richard, of Auburn, Alabama; and seven grandchildren, Clark and Hunter Rogers, Mack, William and Cade Helble and Grace Akel. And also Shelby's shop girls, her loving caregivers and her dog Chloe.

Shelby is known by many for her energy, independence and determination. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories and a wonderful legacy. Our comfort comes from knowing we will see her again in heaven.


A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10:00 am at the First Christian Church in Harrison, Arkansas.

Dr. David Artman officiated the service.


In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Shelby Akel's name to First Christian Church, Ozark Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.




Sign Guestbook

28 Condolence(s)
Tony Hopson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 4, 2019

My sympathies to the family.
I held Shelby in total admiration as a friend and associate.

Jerry Jones
Harrison, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 31, 2019

Abe, so sorry for your loss. Shelby was a great warrior, friend, and admired by all who knew her. Bonnie and I are sorry that we did not get to attend the service as Bonnie was not feeling well. We want you to know that our prayers, love and support is with you during this time. May God look over you and the family during your time of grief.

Kelly Davis
Russellville, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 31, 2019

When I think of Ms. Shelby, I think of Snow Babies! Moving to Harrison and then becoming a young married person, I had no clue what to get a special bride for Christmas. She knew. Thus started a long tradition of starting a collection. Thank you for helping me all those years, and the many more people you have done the same for. Seeing you at church, you would always greet me and many with a smile and warm hello. You will be missed. Prayers to the family, especially today!

Dee Ann Harris-Cole
Brady, TX
Liked
Friday, August 30, 2019

Abe, I didn't know Shelby on a on a real personal level but I did know she was a great business woman and Buddy (Cole) thought the world of both of you! May God bless you during these difficult times and forever. My sympathies. Dee Ann Cole

Margaret E McFarland
HARRISON, AR
Liked
Friday, August 30, 2019

"Miss Shelby" was a wonderful Lady and she will be missed in our community. Only Time will heal the grievous loss of this sparkling Personality.

My late Mother sent me this quote that I keep on my desk and I have no idea of the source: "In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening, love can hear the rustling of a wing."

My condolences to Shelby's family.

Susan E Duck
HARRISON, AR
Liked
Friday, August 30, 2019

Abe and family,

Like many people I've known Shelby for many years and so enjoyed doing business in her world. Her shop is a world of her own creation after so many years. Will miss so much seeing her smile in the shop. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Pollyanna Hodges
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, August 30, 2019

To Shelby’s family,
Shelby was a role model for all with her grace and poise. We are all blessed with wonderful memories of her.
May you find peace knowing that she is now at peace.
My thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Pollyanna

Joyce Turney
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, August 30, 2019

Abe & Family - My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the loss of Shelby. She was a precious lady and will be greatly missed. God Bless you all.
Joyce Turney

Pete Eldridge
Alpena, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

You are in my thoughts Abe. You are an inspiration to me

J.D. and Judy Erwin
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Our deepest sympathy for Shelby’s family. We have many fond memories, she will be truly missed. God bless you all.

KORIN WESTCOTT
HARRISON, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Abe and family, I am so saddened by your loss. Shelby was a remarkable woman and gave a lot to this community. My prayers are with you.

Mary Bailey
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Shelby left me many great memories. She will definitely be missed💕

Tammy and Bill Boswell
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Abe and family. Our hearts hurt in the loss Shelby. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Michael Reynolds
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Bill, Shelby, and Abe, thinking back with fond memories about growing up in Harrison, and spending much time at your house playing tennis and generally hanging out having fun! I send my thoughts and prayers your way in this time of loss. Will try to get to the celebration on Saturday, and if I can't, I still send my love your way!

Michael A. Reynolds

Matt & Rachel Sprenger
Everton, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

Diana S Rice
MonteVista, CO
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

So much love for this lady!
My love to all of you - Di

Janice Stanford
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 29, 2019

Shelby was a remarkable woman. I enjoyed getting to know her during my visits to Harrison. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time.

Billy and Mary Moreau
Yellville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Abe, so sorry for your loss.
Billy & Mary Moreau

Will Garrison
Oregon City, OR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Shelby & Bill,
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was a great lady and contributed immensely over the years to all in the community, etc.

Wishing you the best in your trying times.

Will

Dorinda Edmisten
Clarksville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

My deepest sympathies to all of Shelby's family and friends. She was a delightful woman and it was always a treat when I was in town and was able to see her at the store. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Prayers for peace and comfort to each of you.

Becky Anderson
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Abe and family, we were so very sorry to hear.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Melissa Lowery Neeley
Searcy, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

My thoughts are with the whole family! Shelby was a true gem. She will truly be missed by everyone. May God be with u guys throughout and so hard to go through losing your love one! No more pain for Shelby and her legacy will live on for sure.
God Bless with Love,
Melissa Lowery Neeley

Dan Smithyman
Magnolia, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Abe, Bill, Shelby and Becca - Growing up next door was a delightful experience due in large part to the warmth that Shelby gave. I remember her as a no-nonsense, fun-loving and deeply caring woman. And beautiful inside and out. May God give you peace and bless you all.

Maria Sims
Rogers, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Sam & Mary Cecil
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.

Ronald Acosta
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. My condolences.

Chris & Donna Williams
Harrison, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Abe, Bill, Shelby and Rebecca,

We are so sorry to hear of Shelby's passinng. Always enjoyed visiting with her when I went in the store. She will be missed by all who knew her.
May peace be with in your time of loss.

Debbie Vowell Burns
Highland Village, TX
Liked
Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Dear Abe, Bill, Shelby, and Becca;

I am so sorry to hear of Shelby’s passing. I have such fond memories of her. She was a force of nature, and a trail blazer! Praying for comfort and peace for your family. Deb