Shelby Jean (Creech) Clevenger, age eighty, passed away on September 21, 2022 in Harlan, Kentucky. She was born on August 18, 1942 in Benham, Kentucky. She is survived by her son, David (Rhonda) Creech; daughter in law, Susan (Wallace) Clevenger; grandson, Paul David Creech; granddaughter Anna Jo (Tyler) Medina; great-granddaughter, Cadence Grace Medina; two sisters, Martha Collins and Ruth Jackson; and two brothers, Gary (Monette) Creech and Billy (Linda) Creech.

Shelby was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Clevenger; her son, Paul Clevenger; and her parents, Rankin and Myrtle Davis Creech.

She served in the United States Army as a photographer in 1963. After serving in the military, she went to beauty school and retired as a hairstylist. She spent the last several years of her working life in Corbin, KY. Later, she moved to Ashland, KY, and enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren as often as possible. In 2002, she moved to Sebring, FL, with her husband, Jim, after his retirement from the coal business. She loved bowling and was part of a league, traveling and competing across the east coast, winning several league tournaments. Shelby and Jim resided in Florida for fourteen years before moving back home to Benham, KY in 2016.

Shelby was always known for her compassion for animals, with an especially loving heart for dogs, specifically for Shar Peis. She was a consistent advocate and donor to the Humane Society. Another one of her favorite ways to give back to the community was by making homemade mats for the homeless with her dear friends at "Bag Ladies" in Cumberland, KY. She was a believer in Jesus Christ and loved attending Bible Study at the Rebecca Caudill Library with her family and friends.

Every year, she always enjoyed raising a beautifully abundant flower garden. Without fail, she could take a plant found in the worst condition and bring it back to life in no time. She truly had a green thumb, and her indoor plants proved it by staying healthy and vibrant year-round. She was also an avid UK basketball and football fan, never missing a game.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Shelby on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Blair Park in Cumberland. Family and friends may gather from 12:00-1:00 with the service beginning at 1:00pm at Blair Park, Blair Street, Cumberland, KY 40823.

In lieu of flowers, she requested that donations be made to the Harlan County Animal Shelter.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve Ms. Shelby's family.