Shelvery Jean Howard, 81, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023. She was born in Henderson, North Carolina on May 30, 1942, to Claude Capell, Sr. and Lillian Weaver Capell Satterwhite. She was the middle child of five and was affectionately known as Shelby to all of her family and friends. She married the love of her life, Earl Howard, Sr. on June 22, 1959. They moved to Florida, where they built a business and raised a family in the heart of the state, Polk County. After working many years with her husband until he retired, she transitioned roles and went to work at Walmart. She started as an overnight stocker and retired as a department manager. Shelby was always on-the-go, full of energy and fire! She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Shelby had the desire to care for everyone around her, be that family, friends, co-workers, or her neighbors. One never went to see her and left hungry, as she also loved to cook and entertain! You could expect a classic southern fried chicken dinner on Sundays, with all the fixins'. She also enjoyed sewing, listening to and singing southern gospel music, and spending time with her family and her loyal puppy, Little Bit. Her absence will be felt by many, as she was such a presence in the lives of everyone she ever met. She entered Heaven and was greeted by her husband, Earl J. Howard, Sr., her parents, her grandparents, and her eldest sister, Edna Saunders. Surely, she is rejoicing in those reunions! She is survived by many loving family members and friends. Her surviving siblings are Claude Capell, Jr., Marsha Yvonne Stover, and Don Capell (Millie). Her children include her eldest daughter Rhonda (Jackie), and her sons, Joey (Becky) and Charlie. She also leaves behind three granddaughters, Jennifer Davis (Michael), Heather Rumbley, and Kayla Phelan (Drew) and five great-grandchildren, Riley, Conner, Makenna, Clint, and Alice. Shelby also has dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers, all of whom she loved and cherished. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Kathleen Lions Club on Sunday, October 1 2023, at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to this casual gathering as we reminisce and celebrate Shelby Jean Howard!