Shirley “Joy” Blankenship Shelton, 71, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Hospice House of Bowling Green. She was born in Elkton on Jan/ 6, 1955 to Richard Earl Bryan (Donna) and the late Betty Woodan Bryan.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Shelton Jr.
She is survived by her son, Charles W. Shelton III (Elizabeth) of Central City; her daughter, April Shelton of Russellville; her three grandsons and three granddaughters; her sister, Judy Kirkland of Franklin; and her many friends and extended family.
She was a member of Duncans Chapel UMC and loved arts, crafts, quilting, and Kentucky Lake.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Chapel of Kirby Funeral Services Russellville. J.T. Sharp will be officiating services at noon with burial to follow in Duncans Chapel Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Will Landaverde, Tyler Shelton, Zach Shelton, Tony Wilson and Robbie Garrett.
Online register book can be found at www.kirbyfuneralservices.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern KY in her name.