Barbara Shelley

****PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER - SERVICES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO JANUARY 29 - 1:00PM**

Barbara ‘Barb’ Rogers Shelley, 80, of the Savannah Lakes Village, wife of Harry Shelley, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Hospice House in Greenwood, SC. She was born April 4, 1945, in Ilion, NY, to the late Ira and Mildred Lefever Rogers.

A 1963 graduate of Ilion High School, Barb furthered her studies and graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1967. A distinguished educator, Barb dedicated 37 years of her life to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher in Middletown, NJ, and Fairfax County, Virginia. She touched the lives of countless students who benefited from her passion and dedication.

Barb treasured the moments spent with family and friends. Her passions included making jewelry, boating, and enjoying the thrill of golf. Each of these interests reflected her vibrant spirit and zest for life, creating a legacy cherished by all who knew her.

She was an active member of the McCormick Methodist Church, where she served on the Board of Trustees and Communication Committee. Barb was a Stephens Minister, providing support and comfort to those in need. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the church choir and the Savannah River Singers. Her leadership qualities shone brightly as the former president of the Women's Golf Association, and she was instrumental in organizing numerous local and Pro Developmental golf tournaments in the McCormick area, including negotiating major sponsors. Barb was also a founding member of Friends of the Savannah River Basin, which included advising local congressional and state officials.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and community service that will continue to inspire those she has touched.

Barb is survived by her husband of 59 years, Harry; two children, Charles Shelley (Jennifer) of Mooresville, NC, and Laurie Fagan (Gary) of Davidson, NC, and their two children, Alex and Anthony; and her sister, Sandra Cowan (Ken) of Utica, NY.

A service to celebrate Barb’s life will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1:00PM at the McCormick Methodist Church, 200 E. Gold Street, McCormick, SC 29835. In honor of Barb's wishes, please dress business casual rather than formal funeral attire. Following the ceremony, the family will receive friends at their home, 143 Ashland Drive, McCormick, SC.

The service will be livestreamed on the McCormick Methodist Church website - https://www.mccormickmc.org/livestream/. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions, in memory of Barb, be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont Hospice House - https://www.careofthepiedmont.org/donate, or to Susan G Komen - https://www.komen.org/community/south-carolina/. 

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Shelley family.