Shelli Cody

Shelli Beth Shelton Cody, 56, received her angel wings on Wednesday afternoon, December 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family she loved so dearly. God saw fit to give her the ultimate healing after a year long valiant battle with lymphoma. Shelli was born in Cleveland on May 4, 1967. She was a 1985 graduate of Bradley Central High School and attended Cleveland State Community College. Shelli was a devoted woman of faith and of the Baptist tradition. She played softball as a teen and went on to become a scorekeeper with the local Cleveland/Bradley Umpire Association for many years until she had children of her own and left to spend time with them.

Shelli worked for almost 30 years in banking for several local banks. Starting as a teller and concluding her banking career as a mortgage loan processor, she met and made friends with many wonderful people. Following her career in banking, Shelli and her family founded Companion Funeral & Cremation Service. She was instrumental in helping the family business get started by leading the vital records department, selling preneed insurance, and planning new chapels in Athens and Chattanooga, as well as the new Olive Branch event center, slated to open in the next few months. Her smiling face was a source of great comfort to many families served through Companion Funeral Home.

Following her victory over breast cancer in 2001, Shelli became involved in the local chapter of American Cancer Society's Relay for Life for many years as the treasurer and co-chaired the event for three years which raised $302,000.00 in 2008-the most money raised in a single year to that point and since. She enjoyed cross stitching, cooking, and spending time at the family river house on the Hiwassee. Most importantly, spending time with her family was her favorite pastime. Out of all her accomplishments and the wonderful things she was known for, she was most proud of the title of "Yaya," given to her by her five precious grandchildren.

Shelli is preceded in death by two precious children she never got to see on this earth, her father Mack Shelton, one brother Ricky Shelton, paternal grandparents Benton & Hazel Shelton, maternal grandparents George & Mary Lou Roberson along with several aunts and uncles.

Shelli leaves behind her loving husband and soul mate of 36 wonderful years Robbie Cody; son and daughter-in-law Trae & Payton Cody; daughter and son-in-law Allie & Andrew Rogers; five precious grandchildren: Ivie, Crosby & Storie Cody and Noa Beth & Ella Rogers; mother Nina Shelton Bullins; two brothers Blake Shelton (Melanie) and Rocky Shelton; aunts Ruth Draughon and Elizabeth Leamon (Bill); father and mother-in-law Hershel and Beverly Cody; several special nieces, nephews and cousins, her best friend and soul sister Kristi Cawood Brock (Keith) and her family, wonderful work family and a host of special friends.

Shelli will be laid to rest by her father at Tasso United Methodist Cemetery at a private graveside service officiated by her daughter-in-law, Rev. Payton Cody.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church, where Shelli grew up and attended until adulthood. The service will be officiated by Dr. Jake Stum and Rev. Guinn Green. A reception and receiving of friends will immediately follow the memorial service until 3:00 PM at the Olive Branch Event Center located on 109 Interstate Drive, where everyone is welcome to come and share their favorite Shelli memory with the family.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Hearth Hospice nurses Lora Baker and Jane Bartolo and special friend Dorothy Williamson for the excellent care provided to Shelli and her family in these last weeks, the Companion work family, who provided Robbie and the family the time they needed to spend with her, and the many people and churches that have prayed for Shelli during the past year, sent cards, letters and tokens of food.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Shelli's memory to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. You are invited to share a personal memory of Shelli or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.