Thursday, June 26, family and friends were shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Shelvy Smith, 23, of Douglas.
Shelvy had just finished her first year as an educator, teaching prekindergarten at Satilla Elementary School. In one short year, she had demonstrated the qualities of an excellent teacher – dedication, compassion, attentiveness to her students’ needs, and a genuine concern to see her students grow and learn. “Her passion, drive, and determination to be the best teacher just seemed somewhat effortless, as she truly had a natural gift for teaching. Yet that didn’t deter her from the hard work, time, effort, and energy she put in daily for her students – and always with a smile,” remembered her principal at Satilla, Carla Rish, during Shelvy’s memorial service on Saturday.
Though she was just beginning her career as a teacher, she wasn’t ready to sit back and take it easy for a year or two. She was already planning the next steps of her career and had just finished the first two classes of her journey through her Master’s program. “Ms. Smith’s legacy will live on. She always did for others, encouraged others, thought of others, and loved others. All of these qualities, coupled with her natural gift of teaching, created an indescribable year for her students and co-workers,” said Carla.
One co-worker stated that when the school year ended, Shelvy was heartbroken to see her students leave for the summer. She sat in her room and cried after the last day of school came to a close.
Yes, Shelvy had a bright future ahead of her as a teacher. But she was more than an educator. The same qualities that she demonstrated in the classroom were also present in her personal life. She had a huge heart and never met a stranger. Shelvy’s family was very important to her and game nights with everyone were her favorite.
Shelvy was a woman of faith and service, and her family and friends have the assurance that she is in Heaven today. Still, that doesn’t take away the grief and shock those close to her are feeling. Shelvy loved others and made sure they knew it. She also wanted people to know that she loved the Lord and put Him first in her life. A talented singer, she used her voice to praise her Savior and honor Him.
“She made a huge impact on everyone she came in contact with. She had an infectious smile and an amazing voice. She wanted to give back to her community every chance she got. Shelvy will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and co-workers,” said family members in a statement released to DouglasNow.
Shelvy is survived by her father, Joey (Kelly) Smith of Alma; mother, April Smith of Nicholls; two sisters, Jade Alisa Smith and Taylor Breanna Smith; two brothers, Kolson Blake Smith and Asher Wade Woodard; papa, Dobby Cothern; nana, Debra Cothern; papa, Kenneth Reliford; papa, Wilbert Smith; grandma, Melba Smith; companion of ten years, Malachi Williams; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by a younger brother, Tyler Ian Smith.
Shelvy’s funeral took place Saturday afternoon in the auditorium at Coffee Middle School.
Shelvy’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses. It can be accessed here: Fundraiser by Judy Velardi : Support April’s Family in Their Time of Loss