Shelby J. Pepper, 78, (Age 39 if you asked her), completed her journey on earth at FHN Memorial Hospital on June 14, 2016.

Born November 23, 1937 in Freeport she was the daughter of Bradley and Grace (Ohltoff) Pepper.

Surviving is her brother, Arlan "Rudy" Pepper of Dahlonega, Georgia.

"OLD SHELBY", as she referred to herself, will be warmly remembered by many Freeport friends, wearing her signature scarf and carrying her precious mystery bags as she walked through downtown almost daily.

Shelby's life was a routine journey every day until she began having health issues the past several months, spending a lot of time with a dear neighbor caring for her.

For many years, she began her travels at "Old McDonalds" on Galena where she would say, "I sure could use a fresh cup of coffee." The Senior Center buses were her main transportation daily. She got to know the drivers well, and enjoyed taking extra-long rides to see the sights of Freeport. The drivers dropped her off at the library where she enjoyed reading the papers and other periodicals.

She seemed to know what was going on in the world, and always had a comment about the troubles of the world. "Oh, did you see what's going on over in the old world? O that makes Shelby sad!" She'd ask friends to cut out articles to save, and loved the coupons too.

After the library, she wandered around downtown to the Post Office, Twice As Nice, FACC, Salvation Army, Dragon Popcorn and other spots. She might visit, warm up on a cold day, make phone calls, and enjoy a bite to eat, get a ride, and collect things people were kind enough to share with her, or share some of their treasures with others so she felt like she was making a contribution. So many will picture her sitting on the big red bench at Twice As Nice waiting for the bus.

She spent most afternoons back at McDonalds, reading the paper again and watching the world go by outside. Many of her acquaintances will miss seeing her in the window, sharing a treat, or offering her a ride home.

Always polite and unassuming, she made friends with many "kind folks" in Freeport and learned how to make her life easier. Her needs and wants were simple. One of those simple wants were "pretty little yellow "MARY GOLDS" to plant at her home.

So when you see some blooming, think of Shelby and know that all of those worries she had are somewhere over the rainbow.

"OLD SHELBY SAYS MANY THANKS!"

Cremation rites were accorded. Her cremated remains were sent to Georgia to be with her brother.

Please leave a message in Shelby's guestbook at www.walkermortuary.com.