Melinda "Lyndey" Lyon Shelby

Melinda Lyon Shelby (“Lyndey”) When Melinda L. Shelby (“Lyndey”) passed away on August 29 at Grady Memorial Hospital, heaven gained a true angel, and the world lost a wonderfully generous soul. Lyndey was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on April 20, 1947, to parents Marjorie and Albert Shelby, who predeceased her. She is survived by the love of her life Scott White, her partner and husband of 56 years, her heartbroken siblings Penny Shelby, Don Shelby (Liz), Ellen Mattingly (Rick Knapp), and a host of nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Pooh. Lyndey was a hippie-generation original who kept the “peace and love” message of her teens as a grounding tenet though her entire life. She had the biggest heart imaginable, opening her arms in love and care to all. This showed in her life and in her work. She was known for her wonderful hugs, her kind and gentle spirit, the laughter that came easily to her and was contagious for others, and her beautifully worded prayers. Lyndey spent her childhood years in Kentucky, graduating from Waggener High School in Louisville in 1965. At age 22, she followed Scott to Columbia, South Carolina, where they lived for several years. In 1977, they moved to Atlanta, where they made their permanent home. There, they joined Norcross First Global Methodist Church and found a warm and welcoming spiritual family. Lyndey quickly became an active member of the Agape Sunday School class, was heavily involved in Stephen Ministry and Congregational Care, was the friendly voice on the office phones on Wednesdays, participated in the Emmaus community, served as cashier for the Church’s annual garage sale, and was the Family Promise coordinator organizing volunteers to provide meals and accommodations for families in crisis. She was known as a joyful volunteer, one committed both to service and to finding laughter and compassion in all situations. For many years, Lyndey worked as an administrator for various companies, including Roadway Trucking. In her late 40s, she felt a strong calling to service work and began a social work degree program at the University of Georgia. At age 50, she received her bachelor’s degree and two years later, her master’s. As she began her professional career in social work, it was clear that this was her life’s calling. Her open mind, open heart, and open arms served a multitude of clients over many years. She worked as a medical social worker for HIV/AIDS patients at Grady Memorial Hospital and later as a hospice social worker for Heartland Hospice and PruittHealth. Toward the end of her career, she became a social worker for Family Promise of Gwinnett County, linking homeless families to shelter and services to provide housing stability. Throughout her time in the social work field, Lyndey was known for her love of service and her commitment to the people she worked so hard to help. Those who knew her professionally will miss her dedication and focus. Those who knew her personally will miss her every day. Lyndey’s loving spirit and joyful nature will be remembered at a celebration of her life at a date yet to be set in October. For those who would like to mark her passing in a special way now, please consider a donation in her name to one of these favorite charities: Family Promise of Gwinnett County (https://familypromisegwinnett.org/), P.O. Box 464971, Lawrenceville, GA 30042 or Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org).

Melinda "Lyndey" Lyon Shelby

April 20, 1947 - August 29, 2026

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Melinda "Lyndey" Lyon Shelby

April 20, 1947 - August 29, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support