Shelby Gregory

Shelby Jean Simmons Gregory, of Advance, passed away peacefully December 21, 2022 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home at the age of 86. Shelby was born March 22, 1936 to Augustus Caney Simmons and Maggie Mae Nelson Simmons in Francisco, NC (Stokes County). With a 19-23 year span between her and her two siblings, Shelby was truly the baby of the family. Anyone who knows Shelby is very familiar with her generosity and character. The love for her family, especially her grandchildren, was particularly evident. Raised on a tobacco farm, it seemed fitting that she worked for 24 years at RJ Reynolds (1975-1998); before retiring to become, as she would say, a full time “Grammy”.

Shelby is survived by her two children, Winona Gregory Dunn and Carey Gregory (LeAnn), as well as her five grandchildren: Dylan Teper (Jess), Connor Robertson, Lydia Gregory, Logan Gregory, and Ella Gregory. Shelby is also survived by her nieces Patsey Simmons Bateman (Ken), Judy Simmons Motsinger (Steve), Doris Pyrtle Peeler, Linda Simmons, and special family members Stacey Motsinger Clous, Marley Motsinger O’Neill, Lee Peeler Canterbury, J. Peeler, Andy Simmons, Alton Simmons, and Jacinda Frieze.

Shelby is preceded in death by her mother and father, along with her brother, Hayes Thomas Simmons and sister-in-law Lillie Flippin Simmons; her sister Elsie Simmons Pyrtle and brother-in-law Leo Pyrtle; her niece Daisy Pyrtle Frieze, and special family members Ray Sutphin, Mike Peeler, Wade Simmons, Kecia Frieze Wyman, and James Harold (Bub) Gregory.

Shelby was a woman of strong faith and was a member of Farmington Baptist Church. Shelby was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society where she accomplished many community outreach projects. Just a few of her hobbies and interests included NASCAR (specifically the late Dale Earnhardt), sewing and embroidery, gardening/yard work, cheering for the Atlanta Braves, and outdoor/wildlife watching. Through the years, many have also benefited from her exceptional cooking skills.

Though we certainly mourn her passing, we stand in full assurance of the gift of eternal life she has received in Jesus Christ. What she embraced in faith here on earth has become fully realized in all the joys of heaven she is now experiencing (I Corinthians 13:12).

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 at Farmington Baptist Church with Pastor Phillip Brande officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00am prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bethlehem United Methodist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Farmington Baptist Church or Operation Christmas Child at samaritanspurse.org. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com