Shelby Jean Spoon of Laurel passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, with her son and daughter at her side.

She was born Nov. 5, 1937 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Joseph Lee Phippin and Gladys Faye (Church) Phippin.

Shelby graduated from Hebron High School in 1955. She immediately gained employment at Wayne Pump as a Key Punch Operator and retired in 1995 from Dresser Industries as Data Processing Supervisor to care for her mother.

In her younger days, she was a member of Rockawalkin United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. Later, she attended Nelson’s Memorial United Methodist Church in Hebron. She was a gifted volleyball player, playing in the Wicomico County Women’s Volleyball League. For many years, “Shelby Jean” kept the books for the various Tractor Pulling Competitions and Mud Hops on the Eastern Shore. She always enjoyed assisting Kyle and Kodi’s teachers whenever needed, but her true passion was her family and spoiling her grandchildren. “Momma Spoon” and Paul will forever be remembered for the many crock pots, homemade cookies and drinks they graciously supplied at the ballgames.   

She is survived by her husband, Paul Marion Spoon, Jr.; children, Kevin Lee Turner (Linda), Kristi Lynn Brown, step-daughters Rhonda Spoon (Scot Lathers), Rachelle Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jennifer Busch (Chris), Bryan Selby (Lauren), Karen Garrett, Kyle Brown (girlfriend, Megan Deinlein), and Kodi Brown (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Ethan, Alex, Sam, Kayla, Evyn, Connor and Brody; step-grandchildren Monica Mowrey (Ryan), Sheovan Lucero (Frank) and Emily Rodriguez; step great-children Nolan and Bristol Mowrey, Aiden and London Lucero.

She also leaves behind many cousins and her very best friends, Grace Leone and Joanne Cropper.

A visitation for family and friends was held on Friday, Dec. 23, at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, followed by a service. Interment followed at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice. 

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.