Obituary: David Levon Shelby, Sr.

David Levon Shelby, Sr.

March 12, 1953 - March 22, 2025

Age: 72

David Levon Shelby, Sr., entered into this earthly world on March 12, 1953 and was born the twelth child to the late Tommy James (TJ) and the late Odessa Robinson Shelby. On March 22, 2025, a page turned, and a chapter closed in the life of David, at Delta Grande Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Monroe, LA. David entered a peaceful sleep awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to awaken him forever more and his legacy of love and faith continues through those who knew him well.

David graduated from Sumner Hill High School of Clinton, MS; in 1971.  David was married to Desiree Divine, and to this union two children were born, Desiree Shelby of Bastrop, Louisiana; and David Shelby Jr., of Rockdale, California. David and Desiree, even though they were divorced, still were best friends and he never missed a beat spending time and traveling to see his grands. David was a true carpenter; he mastered the art and his craftsmanship can be seen on many jobs across the community and the area. 

David was a father, grandfather, brother, and a friend. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards with his friends, and definitely enjoyed his grandchildren. David never met a stranger, he was a friendly person, always lending helping hands with a smile. 

 David was preceded in death by his parents, the late Tommy James (TJ) and the late Odessa Robinson, Shelby; six brothers; Willie Robinson, LeMar, John, Charlie, Tommy James, Jr., Robert and one sister, Deloris Robinson. Also preceded him were his aunts, uncles, great-nieces, and nephews.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: one son David, Jr.; a very loving and devoted Daughter that was definitely a daddy’s girl, Desiree Shelby; Siblings: Mollie Williams of Detroit, MI; Gertrude Shelby of Bolton, MS; Enixa (Shirley) Shelby of Detroit, MI; Ida (Andrew) Goodman of Detroit, MI; James (Ruth) Shelby of Southfield, MI; Regina (Kenneth) Burks of Jackson, MS; Thomas (Demetri) Shelvy, of Rochester Hill, MI; Carrie Kendrick of Detroit, MI; Agnes Davis of Detroit, MI; Frank (Brenda) of Bolton MS; grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Shelby, please visit our flower store.