Shelby Gilliam Isley, 88, of Siler City, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill.

Born on November 6, 1937, in Alleghany County, North Carolina, Shelby was the daughter of the late Richard Gilliam and Loy Presnell Gilliam. She was a devoted woman of God whose life was a daily testimony of faith, love, and service. Her unwavering commitment to Christ was evident in the way she lived, always placing God, her family, and the needs of others before her own.

Shelby found great joy in life's simple blessings. She loved sitting in the mornings, watching the birds gather at her feeders while spending cherished time in prayer and reading her daily devotional. Those quiet moments with the Lord were among the most meaningful parts of her day. An avid reader for many years, she possessed a lifelong love of learning and reflection.

Her faith inspired her service to others. Through Gideon Outreach, she faithfully ministered to inmates, sharing the Gospel and offering words of hope and encouragement. She also volunteered at the diaper bank through her church, demonstrating Christ's love through acts of kindness and compassion.

Above all, Shelby treasured time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest happiness came from sharing life's moments with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Shelby was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mitch Gurley; and a grandson, Micah Gurley.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Joel M. Isley of Bonlee, North Carolina; two daughters, Cindy I. Gurley of Siler City, North Carolina, and Jan I. Palmer and husband Shawn of Franklinville, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Mallory G. Edwards and husband William of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Tori Palmer of Franklinville, North Carolina; two grandsons, Jake Gurley of Siler City, North Carolina, and Trevor Palmer and wife Hannah of Colorado Springs, Colorado; five great-grandchildren, Shelby, Chloe, Henry, Everyn, and Lokryn; and one brother, Lane Gilliam of Thomasville, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Sandy Branch Baptist Church.

Graveside services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Historic Providence Church Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Shelby’s legacy of faith, love, service, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please share a memory, or condolence for the family in Shelby’s guestbook below.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, of Siler City, North Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Shelby Gilliam Isley.