Estell Denise Middleton Shackleford, 54, of Holmes Mill departed this life on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.  Born November 2, 1970 in Harlan County, she had lived here all of her life.  Denise worked as a sales clerk and cook at the Marathon Station in Evarts.  She was a graduate of Evarts High School and attended the Bailey's Creek Holiness Church.  Denise enjoyed working outside in her yard with her flowers, reading her Bible, and loving on her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her first husband and the father of her children, Steven Shepherd; a brother-in-law, Mark Middleton; her paternal grandparents, Estell and Lee Middleton; and her maternal grandparents, Nancy and Arville Perry.  Her husband, Lawrence David Shackleford, passed away shortly after her death.

She is survived by a daughter, Katy Shepherd, Holmes Mill; a son, James Shepherd and his girlfriend, Chella Clark, Louellen; her parents, James Middleton and Charlene Perry Middleton, Evarts; and three sisters, Gail Middleton, Evarts; Nicky Middleton Smiddy and husband, David, Evarts; and Jamie Johnson and husband, Chris, Harlan. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Alexander Shepherd, Olivia Clark, Bradley Clark and Eli Shepherd; and a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Her visitation will be held at the Bailey's Creek Holiness Church beginning at 5 pm Sunday until the funeral hour of 1 pm on Monday, July 28, 2025.  The Reverend Perry Long and the Reverend Mike Guthrie will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with her family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Denise Middleton Shackleford.