Shelby Jean Pender

     Shelby Jean (LaBeff) Pender, 76, of Meridian, passed away on March 26, 2024, at Ochsner Health Rush Foundation Hospital.

     She was born to Doyle and Bertie Mae (Davidson) LaBeff on November 1, 1947, in Lauderdale County.  Shelby was devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  While raising her young family, she put herself through nursing school and served as a Licensed Practical Nurse with Rush Foundation Hospital until her retirement.

     Her family recalls how she loved to cook and always had a hot meal ready for her family.  Shelby loved playing cards and could not pass up a yard sale.   She always had a coke and a bag of nerds for her beloved great-grandson, Cash.  She and her sister, Sherry, became roommates after the passing of their husbands.  Not only were they sisters, but they were soulmates and best friends.  They loved spending time together whether it be fishing or visiting yard sales.  

     Shelby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cecil F. Pender, Jr.; and her son, James Michael Hoy.

     She is survived by her son, David Hoy (Nancy); daughter, Kimberly Rivers (Paul); stepdaughter, Lisa Jones (Barry); her sisters, Sherry Harrison and Stephanie Wortman; nine grandchildren, Jeffery Hoy (Hannah), Trey Whitehead, David C. Hoy, Ryan Hoy, Lauren Williams (Johnathan), Dylan Rivers, Chris Jones, Josh Pender, and Keeley Pender; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a very special niece, Melanie Parten.

    There will be a memorial service at a later date.

    The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes is grateful for the opportunity to honor Shelby’s memory and to serve her family at this time.