Lenore G. Shackelford

Obituary For Lenore G. Shackelford

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purp ose under the Heavens." -Eccl. 3:1

A TIME TO BE BORN

Lenore DeVaughn Golden Shackelford was born April 17, 1929, in Quitman, Georgia, to the late Corine Golden and A. Z. Graddick.

A TIME FOR TRAINING

Lenore attended the public schools of Brooks County graduating from Brooks High School, Quitman, Georgia, in 1945. She attended Savannah State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950 and a Masters of Education, Guidance and Counseling from Florida A & M University in 1959. She furthered her education attending Tennessee A & 1, Valdosta State University, and the University of Georgia. She became a Social Studies teacher at Morven Rosenwald High School from 1950-1954 and an Elementary Teacher at New Empress Elementary from 1954-1959. She then became a Guidance Counselor in 1959 at Washington Street High School of Quitman, Georgia. Brooks County Junior High Counselor in 1970 and finished her career at Brooks County High School, retiring in 1989. She received many awards and gave many scholarships in her tenure. Upon retirement, she attended training to become a Professional Bail Bondsman and started and worked the Quitman Bonding Company Business for over twenty years.

A TIME TO BE MARRIED

Lenore was united in Holy Matrimony on December 24, 1954, to Herbert Shackelford, and to this union the late Herbert Duane Shackelford II was born.

A TIME FOR SERVICE TO MANKIND

She organized the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, where she was instrumental in making Dr. King's birthday a school holiday for Brooks County Schools in 1988. She also helped rename the longest street in Quitman, formally known as Washington Street, “Martin Luther King Jr.” Drive. She also received a proclamation from the Brooks County Commissioners for her community service, which prompted June 2 to be declared "Lenore G. Shackelford" Day in Quitman, Georgia.

A TIME FOR SERVICE TO GOD

At an early age, she joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman, Georgia, where she served as member of the Trustee Board, as well as a church clerk, secretary, choir member, and chairperson of several committees and programs working closely with many of Beulah's pastors.

A TIME TO BEIONG

Lenore belonged to many organizations, in which she was a faithful member until her health declined. She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star; Love Joy Chapter #246 of Quitman, GA, where she was the Worthy Matron and two grand large officers (Grand Adah and Grand Lecturer for many years; A member of Scott Azalea Assembly #289, Order of the Golden Circle of Valdosta, where she received the “Golden Lady of the Orient” award, which was the highest honor any Loyal Lady can receive in the state. A charter member and past Commandress of Ossipe Court #186, DOI in 1980; A member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1982; She also was a member of the National Teacher’s Organization; Georgia Association of Educators, Brooks County Association of Educators, Brooks County Retired Educators Association (serving as president for many years) Georgia Retired Educators Association, Georgia School Counselors Association and Georgia Association of School Counselors. The walls of her home are lined with plaques in testimony of her service and contributions to her community and organizations.

A TIME TO DIE

At Approximately 7:00 p.m., at home on Thursday, March 14, 2024, God called His child from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Corine, and five sisters, Irma “Plump” Ruth (Albert), Lillie Mae (General), Rachel (Jesse), Mabel (Mel) and Louise G. (Weed); and her loving and devoted husband and son, Herbert D. Shackelford I & II.

A TIME TO MOURN

She leaves to mourn: her grandchildren, Herbert Duane Shackelford III and Dr. Brianna Nicole Shackelford, both of Valdosta, GA; one great-grandchild, Journey Reign Holmes; one daughter-in-law, Latonja Shackelford; nieces, Barbara Clements and Sharon Peele; nephews, George Tate, Godfrey Thomas, and Herman Tate and members of their families; one godson, Willie James Golden; caregiver for seven years, Ethel Mobley; and a host of other family members, relatives, and friends.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 3PM at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Dwayne Gavin, Officiating Eulogist. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery.

Continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Mrs. Shackelford for all of your hard work and dedication to our community. Servant of God, Well Done.