Shelby Jean Speaks Blackburn

Mrs. Shelby Jean Speaks Blackburn passed from her home in Winston Salem into
the loving arms of her Savior on February 28, 2024. She fought cancer on her
terms for five years with the help of her children. She was born August 8, 1937, in
Statesville, N.C. to the late Farris and Jettie Plyler Speaks. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Stanley Max Blackburn; brother Gary Speaks and sister
Aileen Speaks Parlier. She is survived by her son Stanley M. Blackburn Jr., daughter
Lynn Blackburn Handy (Larry), grandsons Justin and Sam Handy. She also leaves
behind many devoted friends and extended family members.

Shelby graduated from Statesville High School and worked at Southern Bell and
Champion Hanes Store where she formed lifelong friendships. Shelby was a
spunky gal with brilliant blue eyes and a ready smile who loved life and lived it
fully for as long as she was able. She and Max enjoyed spending time with family
and friends and vacationing at the beach. Later in life she spent time with the Red
Hat Society where she lived out her love of bling and long, lingering lunches.
Shelby loved playing the slots at the Casino in Cherokee; her daughter jokingly
referred to as “Mom’s Wonderland.” After meeting her soulmate, Dewey “Pete”
Black, the youthful adventures continued on his motorcycle as they danced,
traveled to the beach and the mountains, visiting friends along the way. Many of
the happiest days in her life were when the grandsons landed at her home every
afternoon during their grade school years. Shelby will always be remembered for
her love of Christmas, holiday and birthday celebrations and the fabulous fudge
she made and shared every year. Her love for family and friends along with her
way of making others feel loved, valued, and comfortable around her was
unmatched.

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Griffith
Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors after the service in the Fellowship
Hall of the church. A private graveside ceremony will be held Thursday, March 7,
2024 at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joshua Trinidad and staff
who cared so much for Shelby during her illness. The family would also like to
thank all the dear friends and loved ones for their support.

The generosity of flowers is appreciated, or donations may be made in Shelby’s
name to Griffith Baptist Church, 1987 Old Salisbury Road, Winston-Salem, NC
27127.

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