Elizabeth "Bette" Dametta Melvin Shelby, 102, of Greenwood, MS, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Greenwood, MS. She was born August 31, 1916 in Macomb, IL, the daughter of Quintis Lynn Melvin and Ruth Enid Painter Melvin.

Bette married Luther G. "Lu" Shelby in 1944 after meeting at a club social. They eventually settled in Greenwood, MS, and she lived there for almost 60 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who treasured her family. A woman of strong faith, Bette was a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, MS, for 57 years. Bette enjoyed being outside gardening and was a member of O'Bera Garden Club. She also belonged to 3 bridge clubs (always the life of the party) and at one time was the president of the Ladies Golf Association at Leflore County Country Club, where she and Lu spent time together through their love of golf. Bette was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan, watching almost every game on the television wearing her lucky Braves baseball cap.

Bette was a pioneer of her gender and time, owning her own business, a beauty shop in IL, during the late 1930's and early 1940's. Through her sense of humor, beautiful outlook on life, and never ending love for her family, Bette is an inspiration to her family who will miss her dearly. Bette expressed her love for her family through cooking, often making homemade pimento cheese, noodles, and cinnamon rolls for her loved ones – where "Grandma's house" was always home.

She was predeceased by her husband, Luther G. "Lu" Shelby and two sons, William E. "Toby" Shelby and George Melvin "Mel" Shelby. Surviving are her sons, Luther Lynn Shelby, of Coldwater, MS, and Robert Leslie Shelby, of Holcomb, MS; daughters-in law Becky Shelby of New York, NY, Julie Shelby of La Crosse, WI, and Lemoyne Lott of Walls, MS; a sweet friend who was like a daughter, Annette Hammons (Lee) Smith of Holcomb, MS; granddaughters, Nel Shelby (Christopher Duggan) of New York, NY, Jane Shelby (Chris Meyer) of Highland Hills, NY, Lucy Shelby of Brooklyn, NY, Chaille (Scott) Brown of Atlanta, GA, Emma Shelby of La Crosse, WI, and Robbie Shelby of Big Sky, MT; great grandchildren, Gracie Duggan, Jack Duggan, Grayson Meyer, and Toby Brown. She is also survived by three nieces, Janet Lee Melvin of St. Louis, MO, Libby Egley of Burlington, IA, and Kay Self of Macomb, IL, a long time dear friend Ruth Mullin, and an adored family friend, Barbara Gragson Petty.

A service of remembrance led by Dr. Rusty Douglas, will be held on Friday, June 7th at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, MS, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Bette Shelby in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Leflore County Humane Society or First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood. Please mention that the gift is in memory of Elizabeth "Bette" Shelby with acknowledgements sent to Luther Lynn Shelby.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to friends, co-workers, and the community for their continuous love and support during this time. We would especially like to thank Indywood Glen and Peaches Lewis for their love and care for the past several years.

Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guest book may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com