Individual Details

Death

Shelley Furr Hall Nelson passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on October 10, 2021. Shelley was born August 12, 1931, to Roy and Lela Furr in Lubbock, Texas. Growing up she attended schools in Lubbock, graduating Lubbock High School in 1948, after being named All Westerner Girl, Rodeo Queen and class officer all three years. An accomplished pianist at 16, she finished second to another young Texas pianist, Van Cliburn, in a Beethoven competition in Austin. Her long standing tradition of playing piano for Lubbock groups and events began when she played Rachmaninov as guest pianist with the Lubbock Symphony at 16 when she was a senior in high school. After graduating Lubbock High School in 1948, She attended Randolph Macon, the University of Texas and Texas Tech. In Austin she met the handsome and charismatic Jack Hall. As newlyweds he started his career at Furr's Super Markets while they established their family in Lubbock. The family grew to 4 children, Roy, Katherine, Teresa, and Diane. During these years Shelley was busy with her children's activities but found time to participate with many organizations including Junior League, PEO, the Woman's Club, Lubbock Symphony, First United Methodist Church, Sunday school, and Prayer and Bible groups. Shelley, Jack, and the children spent many happy times skiing in Aspen, water skiing at Possum Kingdom Lake, traveling, lunches, dinners, and bible studies. Their home was open to friends, new and old. "JackandShelley" was one word to all their friends. Their encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love changed many people's lives. After Jack died at age 50, Shelley pursued a long-held interest in art becoming a sculptor and painter with oils and watercolors. Shelley reunited with an old beau, Bert Nelson, at a high school reunion. He remembered her "Becky Thatcher" curls like Tom Sawyers girlfriend, from first grade. They married in their first grade classroom at Dupre Elementary on October 29, 2006. Living in Lubbock, they enjoyed almost 15 years of marriage. In 2010 after Diane's death, Shelley had a rare thoracic spine bleed which paralyzed her lower body. Bert's encouragement and support permitted her to continue creative adventures. He built a home perfectly suited to her art and music needs and accommodated her paralysis needs. Their custom handicapped van allowed them to stay active in Lubbock attending First Christian Church Bible study, Red Raider football and basketball games, eating out, and traveling to see friends. Waiting for her in heaven are Jack and daughter Diane, 2 babies Mae Ellen and Rose, her parents Roy and Lela Furr, 2 brother's Don and wife and Corky, and their sons Steve Furr and Eddie Furr. Shelley lived a life based on faith. She practiced the gospel, never being judgmental, and caring for all. She was blessed with humor, grace, and large heartedness and died with a beautiful smile on her face. In character with her generous spirit, Shelley donated her body to the Texas Tech Medical School. She supported the Lubbock Symphony, Lubbock Arts Alliance, Tech Music Department and Tech's drug rehabilitation center. She donated her Steinway grand piano she owned since the age of 6 years to the Tech Music Dept. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Bert Nelson, son Dr. Roy Hall and wife, Sharon and his 2 children Isaac and Rachael, Dr Katherine Hall (Mark Zibilich) and 2 children Brett and Avery of Dallas, and daughter Teresa and son Dylan and wife, Beth, and their daughter Kya of Austin. A special thanks go to her main caregiver, Norma Cardenas and husband, Diego, and friend, Faye Wright. The family wishes to thank all the numerous friends and acquaintances who helped support and care for Shelley as well as for the many condolences offered. A memorial service is planned for Friday, November 5th at 2PM at First Christian Church, 2323 Broadway, Lubbock Texas, with Reverend Paul Carpenter officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to that church.