Linda Shelby

Linda Claudette Shelby, lovingly known as “Mimi,” was born on October 22, 1942, in Plainview, Texas, to Melvin and Cora McGaugh. She was the oldest of three siblings—her sister, Barbara, and her brother, Houston. As a young girl, she was a member of Girl Scouts and built lifelong friendships throughout her school years, many of which remained close to her through the end of her life. Linda attended Ralls High School, where she was a basketball player, cheerleader, Football Queen, Miss Ralls High School, and voted Most Favorite by her classmates. After high school, she attended Lubbock Christian College, Abilene Christian College, and Texas Tech. During that time, she was offered the opportunity to become a flight attendant with Delta Airlines but chose a different path in life. She then married Robert C. Reed, and together they built a life and had three wonderful children: Kelli, Darren, and Michele. Linda’s life was full of love, creativity, and connection. After living in several cities, she settled in Baytown, Texas. There, she joined the Christian Women’s Club and became deeply involved in the arts and her community. She later remarried. Linda was a devoted mother who was deeply involved in her children’s lives. She served as a Brownie leader and supported Kelli, Darren, and Michele as a room mother and team mom, faithfully attending their school and sporting events, including her involvement with the Ross S. Sterling Booster Club. Linda served as President of the Baytown Art League and was also on the board of the Baytown Cultural Arts Council. Through this work, she helped support partnerships with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Baytown Parks and Recreation Department, bringing concerts and art exhibits to the community. Linda was a talented and award-winning artist. She exhibited her work in watercolor, oil painting, and later photography, including an exhibit at the Moody Center at Lee College. Her work earned first, third, and honorable mention awards, and she was featured in Accent Magazine for her art. She also taught jewelry making and art classes at the Baytown Community Building through Parks and Recreation from the mid-1990s into the 2000s. In addition to her artistic contributions, Linda served her community by volunteering to teach art and volunteered with the Red Cross, where she taught CPR and First Aid. She also owned her own business, traveled to art and craft shows, and sold Premier Jewelry. Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Missouri Street Church of Christ before later attending non-denominational services. She volunteered her time speaking to young mothers alongside her daughter Michele and participated in many church events over the years. After the passing of her husband, Jim, Linda continued serving others as an Activity Director at a local elderly home, bringing joy and companionship to many. She later moved to Amarillo, Texas, where she lived for ten years. During that time, she worked with The Potter’s House as an Activity Coordinator and also worked at TJ Maxx, while caring for her mother alongside her sister Barbara. She cherished time with her nieces, nephews, and family gatherings—where she was always asked to bring her famous deviled eggs. In 2021, Linda moved to Tomball, Texas, to live with her daughter Michele and son-in-law Beto. These years were filled with joy as she spent time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed fellowship with her Pine Country ladies' group. She loved attending women’s encounters in Liberty, Texas, including Touch of Grace Ministries events, and remained active in her faith at New Life Church in Houston. Linda had a vibrant spirit and a dry sense of humor. She loved movies, comedy, music, and always enjoyed a good snack. She loved taking naps with her dog Phoebe and making special treats just for her. She was a giver at heart, always ready with a laugh, and had a special way of making people feel loved and welcomed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin, and Cora McGaugh; her husband, James Shelby; and her brother-in-law, Gary Grogan. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Grogan; her brother, Houston McGaugh, and his wife Anne; and her children: Kelli and son-in-law Steve Mercer, Darren and daughter-in-law Monica Reed, and Michele and son-in-law Beto Gutierrez. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Christina Williams and her spouse Patrick, Devon Bernal and fiancé Haley Lyons, Colton Reed and his spouse Kasey, Alexandria Reed, Conner Mercer, Savanna and her husband Kaleb Maldonado, and Addison Reed; and her beloved great-grandchildren: Ricky Rico, Caden Rico, PJ Olivero, Ava Mercer, Wesley Mercer, Stevie Mercer, Charli Reed, Cayman Reed, Rhys Custard, Teagan Bernal and Liam Bernal. Mimi will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her love, laughter, creativity, and generous heart. To honor her memory, donations can be made to the American Bible Society, helping share God’s Word with others—a mission she deeply cared about. Give at: give.bible/goodnews The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to Linda's family and friends during this difficult time.

Linda Shelby

March 25, 2026