Ruth Shelby Piersall

Ruth Shelby Piersall, 70 and widow of Jesse James Piersall, Jr. passed away on September 7, 2021.  She was born to the late Henry Allen Shelby, Sr. and Maude Grievous Shelby on November 25, 1950 in Lexington.

After graduating from Tates Creek High School (’69), she worked for Fayette County School Systems.  She went on to the University of Kentucky, where she worked as Assistant Supervisor of Custodial.  She retired after many years of service.  She came out of retirement to work at Brookdale Senior Living and Christ the King School, until she could no longer work anymore.

Ruth confessed Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Bethsaida Baptist Church where she was a member of the Mass Choir and Voices of Bethsaida.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Piersall, Jr.; mother-in-law, Lucy S. Piersall; daughter-in-law, Stephanie L. James; and her grandparents, Ben and Emma Yancy Shelby.

She leaves behind many prized possessions but most important were her blessings from her womb and beyond, and those blessing are: Anthony Shelby, Jesse Shelby III, and Donnell (William) Blythe; Nate Walker; one sister, Sandra (David) Taylor; three brothers, Henry (Jessie) Shelby, Jr., Ron Lee Shelby, and Bruce (Felisa) Shelby; sister-in-law, Cheryl Williams; grandchildren, Jesse Shelby IV and Jamarion Shelby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ruth’s services will occur on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Unity Worship Center: Visitation from 11am until 12pm, Funeral at 12pm. Unity Worship Center located at 1975 Haggard Ct, Lexington KY 40505.  *Masks Required*

Burial will follow at Second Independent Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Athens, KY.