Courtland – Shelby Blythe Coggsdale, 85, passed away peacefully April 19, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.  Born December 8, 1940, she was a daughter of the late William and Louvenia Byrd Blythe.  She was also predeceased by a son-in-law, Jackie Vick; a brother, Larry Blythe; and a grandson, Jason Vick.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 68 years, J. W. Coggsdale, Jr.; three daughters, Vanessa Vick, Donna Taylor (David), and Lori Coggsdale; a son, J. Waverly Coggsdale, III (Heather); a sister, Carolyn B. Thornton (Bill); a brother, Bill Blythe (Julie); eight grandchildren, Miles Taylor (Dayna), Wesley Vick (Stephanie), Mallory Tuttle (Matt), Claire Mueller (Nick), John Coggsdale IV (Emma), Ethan Coggsdale (Kaitlyn), Jamie Whitley (Wyatt), and Peyton Coggsdale (Danielle); four great grandchildren, Margaret Tuttle, Atley Vick, Martha Tuttle, and Kate Mueller; and extended family and close family friends.

Shelby and JW were blessed with 68 years of marriage.  They built a loving home where they raised four children.  Shelby's greatest joy was her family and she created a home filled with love and countless memories. She was a proud and loving mother and nothing brought her greater happiness than watching her family grow.  She nurtured a Christian home by living out the fruits of the Spirit through her daily actions.  Becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was among the greatest blessings of her life. She cherished each child wholeheartedly and found joy in their laughter, milestones, and simply being with them.  Her love was constant, gentle, and unwavering.

Shelby found joy in helping JW with gardening, canning vegetables and pickling.  She cherished time spent at Lake Gaston and loved traveling with family and friends.  She also took great pride in helping care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Nana's kitchen" was the hub of family gatherings, filled with chicken pie, chicken salad, and other beloved family favorites.

Though her absence is deeply felt by those who loved her, her legacy endures—through the faith she lived out, the family she cherished, and the love she gave so freely.  Her life was a true gift, and her memory will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her as wife, Mama, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love is deeply woven into her family, and she will always hold a place in our hearts.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3PM Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Wallace officiating.  Burial will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and suggests memorial donations be made to Newsoms Baptist Church Building Fund or any favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org