Shelby Chase Hunsucker

Shelby Chase Hunsucker, 76, went home to be with her Lord, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Shelby “Shelbert” Hunsucker was truly one of a kind. She was a beautiful soul whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and love to everyone around her. Her life was not always easy. She endured great loss, many hardships, and ongoing health struggles throughout the years, yet through God’s grace she continued to shine brightly and make others feel deeply loved.

Shelby had a joyful spirit that people were naturally drawn to. She was funny, witty, full of Southern charm, and carried a happy-go-lucky attitude no matter what she was facing. Even in her darkest days, she found a way to bring light to others. She made people smile from the soul. If Shelby was in the room, you knew it. Her energy, laughter, and loving heart could fill any space.

She loved Jesus deeply and shared her faith openly with others, always encouraging people to trust in Him. Her faith carried her through life and brought comfort to so many around her. Shelby always had a song in her heart, often humming or singing throughout the day, especially songs about Jesus and His love. No matter what burdens she carried, she always leaned on her faith. Her family shared that at the end of the day, Shelby would often say she talked to Jesus at night, and He helped carry her through whatever tomorrow might bring. She loved her church, Flint Hill Baptist Church, and found peace in her relationship with God.

Shelby was a hard worker throughout her life. She worked at Milliken Mills before later becoming a pharmacy technician at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. She also served in administrative roles with Pinehurst Cardiology and Pinehurst Medical. No matter where she worked, she gave her whole heart to people.

As a single mother, Shelby carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, and her little body paid dearly for that kind of love and sacrifice. Yet somehow, even through the struggles, she gave her family beautiful memories, laughter, and joy that will last forever.

Shelby loved life’s simple pleasures. She loved crafting and was incredibly talented. She loved the beach, beach music, babies, sweets, shopping, bingo, and any kind of game or contest. She was competitive and somehow almost always managed to win. Her watermelon chewing gum was never far away, and having her hair, nails, and outfits done always made her feel her best. She was not fancy, but she was every bit a true Southern lady.

More than anything, Shelby loved her family fiercely. She loved talking on the phone, something she shared with her beloved mother, and she never met a stranger. She had a rare ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Shelby was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Karen Upchurch; her husband, Ralph Hunsucker; her father, Bill Chase; and her mother, Margaret Chase.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kimberly Beck and Carrie Beverly and husband Brian Beverly; her son, Eric Stanley and wife Shannon Stanley; granddaughters Connie McDermott and husband Jim, April Culberson, Angela Caviness, Lily Stanley, and Piper Good; and great-granddaughters Leslie and Zoey Culberson, and Ayla and June McDermott.

Shelby also leaves behind stepchildren Matt Hunsucker, Mark Hunsucker, and Shane Hunsucker; sisters Debra Clark and husband Steve Clark, and Lisa Chase; niece Michelle Strickland; niece Jennifer Jackson; great-nieces Willow and River Morgan; along with many other beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends.

Shelby will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The world feels different without her in it. While our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing she is finally home — standing tall again, dancing, shagging, laughing, and rejoicing in Heaven with her baby girl, her mama, her daddy, her husband Ralph, and her heavenly family. She had been ready to go home for some time, though we were never ready to let her go.

Her love, strength, faith, and joyful spirit will continue living on through all of us. We know she will still be watching over her family just as she always did here on Earth.

The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to Autumn Care of Biscoe for the love, compassion, and wonderful care they provided Shelby during the 11½ years she resided there. The staff became like family to us, and we are forever grateful for the kindness they showed her throughout the years.

A celebration of Shelby’s life will be held at Flint Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Shelby will be laid to rest at Pine Rest Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends and family following the burial in the fellowship hall at Flint Hill Baptist Church. 

The family would like to thank everyone who visited Shelby during her stay at Autumn Care. 

Kennedy Funeral Home is serving the Hunsucker family.

Condolences on line at pinesfunerals.com