Shelby Jean Benfield

Shelby Jean Fox Benfield, a beloved daughter of Iredell County, was born on June 23, 1939, and peacefully passed away on January 2, 2025, in Statesville, North Carolina, at the age of 85. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family.

A graduate of Celeste Henkel High School in 1957, Shelby dedicated her life to being a homemaker, nurturing and supporting those she cherished most. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shelby found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially being outdoors surrounded by God's creations. Her unwavering faith and devotion to her Lord and Savior were evident to everyone she met, as she joyfully shared her faith and embraced the opportunity to witness to others.

As a member of Fairview Baptist Church, Shelby's life was filled with spiritual purpose and community service. Her warmth and kindness touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impact that will be remembered for generations to come.

Shelby was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ralph C. Fox and her birth mother, Esther Houston Fox and the mother who raised her, Lorene Benfield Fox; her beloved husband, Espy Ray Benfield, Jr., with whom she shared 60 wonderful years after marrying on October 5, 1958; her daughter, Shelley Rae Benfield; her sons, Ralph Scott Benfield and Eric Ryan Benfield; and her siblings, Boyce Fox, Dennis Fox, and Charlot McCoy.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving family: her daughter, Angela Ostwalt, and husband, Aaron; her treasured grandchildren, Eric Benfield and wife, Brittney, and Lauren Travis (Chris); and her precious great-grandson, Easton Ray Benfield.

Graveside services to honor Shelby's life will be conducted on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church, at 2pm with Rev. Larry McCoy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or Our Daily Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

Shelby Jean Fox Benfield's life was a beautiful reflection of her faith and love, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones in the presence of her Savior.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Shelby Benfield’s family.