WILMINGTON — Shelby Renee Hershberger was born on December 6, 2001 in Millersburg, Ohio and went to heaven on November 9, 2021. She is survived by her loving family: Her mother Ruth Miller of Wilmington NC, her father Wayne Hershberger of Gambier OH, and her sisters Monika Hershberger (Brennan) , Nikki Hershberger, Angie Hershberger of Wilmington NC, and Shania Mendez ( Erick ) of Columbus OH, Nieces Ariel and Sawyer Hershberger, Grandfather Mel Hershberger of Gambier OH.
She was preceded in death by brother Trenton David Hershberger, Grandparents Ray and Ester Miller, Grandmother Orpha Hershberger, and Tucker Shelby’s cat.
Shelby was born in Millersburg, Ohio, but spent most of her childhood with her family in Knox County, Ohio. She was homeschooled for several years, but later attended East Knox Elementary, Mount Vernon Middle school, and graduated from Hayes High School with honors a year early. Due to the pandemic she was not able to walk the stage which was so hard on her. While attending high school, Shelby also maintained a job at McDonald’s for over three years. She was an extremely hard worker and excelled at anything she put her mind to.
As an adult, Shelby moved from Ohio to Wilmington, NC to be closer to her three older sisters, and two baby nieces. She got a job as a Heavy Project Merchandiser, building retail stores every-other week. She loved the team she worked with (Monika, Angie, Brennan (bossman), Ryan, and Chris) and loved having the time off to spend with loved ones. Shelby was everybody’s best friend at work, whether they were on the team or not, and genuinely radiated positivity. She wasn’t scared of the hard work and long hours, and consistently showed the “men” how it was done. Shelby was a force, especially after she had her morning Fizz.
Shelby absolutely loved to spend time with her family, her friends, and her cats Posie and Gladis, which she loved immensely. On her off-weeks, she always made plans with her nieces, and to have family time, and made sure to never miss Mom’s Saturday night dinners. If she wasn’t with family or friends, she was at home spoiling her cats. Shelby was such a bright light that touched everyone’s life that she met.
Shelby had a laugh that was contagious, and lived to make others laugh. She was also a big tease, always giving “wet willies,” tickling your armpits, or saying “I’m not touching you!” She would break it down and dance, everywhere, anytime, regardless of who was watching or where she was. “Twerking” was her favorite. She was so spontaneous, always down for anything, always ready for the next adventure. She was the life of the party.
If Shelby could see us down here sad and crying she would say “BOOOO.”
Shelby was so beautiful. She was an amazing girl, whos life was taken way too soon.
Shelby loved spending time at the beach and catching the “Big Waves.” She loved going to Cedar Point the bigger and faster the better. Her favorite ride was the Dragster.
Shelby loved traveling and taking long road trips. One of her favorite things to do every year was to go to the Farm at Walnut Creek. We always took the wagon ride to feed all the animals. One of the best parts was that one of the horses on the farm shared her name Shelby. She enjoyed going to Flip N Fly with her Littles Ariel & Sawyer. She loved playing games, Her favorite was the bird game. Shelby, Shania and Grandma Hershberger used to play so many games, we loved it because she would let us cheat.
Shelby loved making Tik Toks; she always spoke about wanting to become Tik Tok famous one day. She loved shopping, and photoshoots. Shelby loved her tattoos and her piercings. She always said how beautiful she felt with them. She was the best snuggler. She loved watching movies. Her favorite was Home Alone. She turned Sawyer into a miniature Kevin Haha. She loved pumpkin patches, and picking apples. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She loved receiving presents, giving presents, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, and spending time with her family. Shelby loved giving compliments to everyone. Shelby was all about body positivity. She was so insecure about herself at one point, but learned to love herself as well as help others find their beauty. She had an instagram page “Bod_Talk.” She loved singing her heart out especially in the car for long car rides. But if you got close to her while chewing gum or chewing loudly you better run.
Shelby told us that she really wanted to celebrate her birthday at Kalahari. We will be planning a trip to celebrate her.
She will be so missed. She was loved by so many. She will forever be in our hearts. She will never be forgotten. Shelby WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Shelby will always be a Flaming Flamingo forever.
Just last week she was talking to her friend and she told her when She gets to Heaven, “ I hope God gives me some Boujee Wings. “ Shelby was ready for Heaven.
Friends may call at Faith Life fellowship Friday November 12, 2021 4-7pm, 725 Wellington Ave C Wilmington NC 28401.
A Celebration of Life will be taking place on Saturday November 13th, 2021 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S College Rd., Wilmington NC 28412. The family will be there from 11 AM until 3 PM.
We will be sharing memories. Anyone is welcome to speak and share something about Shelby.
At 3 PM, we will continue the celebration of Shelby’s life, at Kure Beach.
Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.
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