Shelley J Mallard

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Shelley J Mallard, who left us on June 9, 2026. Shelley passed away of natural causes at the age of 81, in the comforting embrace of family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unyielding strength. Born on July 27, 1944, in the quaint town of Blankly, Georgia, Shelley was the beloved daughter of Alexander Coleman Banks and Mary Francis Banks. Growing up, she was instilled with values of resilience and care that would guide her life's journey. Shelley was predeceased by her cherished daughter, 1st Ltd Mary P Mallard, M.S., her dear brother Buddy Coleman Banks, and her loving sister Bennie Lou Newton. She is survived by her former husband, Stone Mallard, with whom she shared a significant chapter of her life. Together, they brought into the world their beloved daughter, PFC Shirl J Green, Ph.D., who, along with her husband Randy L Green, carries forward the legacy of love and dedication that Shelley embodied. Shelley's sister, Dora Mae Young, also survives her, providing a testament to the enduring bond of family. Shelley’s educational journey took her from the halls of Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, to Mercer County Vocational Technical School, where she graduated in 1982 with a degree in nursing. Her career as a professional nurse in the geriatric field was one marked by dedication and compassion, as she cared for the elderly with a nurturing heart and skilled hands. Her colleagues and patients alike remember her for her steadfast dedication and the warmth she brought into every room. Beyond her professional life, Shelley found joy in the simple pleasures and creative pursuits that filled her days with happiness. She had a passion for cooking and baking, where each dish was a labor of love, and her garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit, blossoming under her careful touch. A lover of words and art, she enjoyed the mental challenge of crossword puzzles and the expressive outlet of drawing, capturing the beauty she saw in the world around her. Shelley's personality was as vibrant as her spirit; she was known for her feisty nature and quick wit, never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed in. Her determination and strong will were balanced by an open heart, always ready to welcome family with open arms, offering support and guidance. She lived by the creed that family comes first and believed wholeheartedly in the divine blessing of children, whom she adored and cherished as gifts from God. A celebration of Shelley’s life will be held at the New Life Christian Center, located at 211 E 4th Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701, on July 3, 2026. The service, beginning at 12:00 AM, will be a time for family and friends to gather in remembrance of a woman who touched so many lives with her grace and love. In honoring Shelley’s life, we remember her not just for the years she lived, but for the lives she touched and the love she shared. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her. As we say goodbye, we carry forward her memory, forever grateful for the time we shared with such a remarkable woman.