Shelly, Paul Zeager (1919-2010)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2010 Dec 6 p. 13

Birth date: 1919 Sep 19

text of obituary:

PAUL ZEAGER SHELLY

Paul Z. Shelly, 91, of Brewton, Ala., died Oct. 13, 2010, in the local Westgate Village nursing facility. He was born Sept. 19, 1919, to Benjamin and Bertha Zeager Shelly near Manheim, Pa.

After farming several years, he moved to Brewton with his wife, Verna, and family in 1950. He and Verna gave leadership to a new rural church, and he was ordained in 1952 for Bethel Mennonite Community Church. He pastored for 40 years plus gave leadership and support for another 25 years. He supported his family by carpentry, a talent and skill that he completely enjoyed.

He was always attuned to the needs of others and gave many hours to Mennonite Disaster Service work all across the Southeast. He volunteered three years in construction in converting a warehouse to a church in Brooklyn and various other building projects in New York City and Camp Deerpark. In his senior years he gave many hours helping build and establish a local volunteer fire company in Dixonville, Ala.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Verna Shank Shelly of Brewton; four children, Eugene Shelly and his wife, Martine, Pauline Mickelson and her husband, Jim, Arlan Shelly and his wife, Lawana, and LaMar Shelly and his wife, Sara; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Bethel Mennonite Community Church. Burial was in the church’s cemetery.