Shelbey Ann Spurlock

July 22, 1998 - August 4, 2020

Shelbey Ann Spurlock, age 22, of Dalton and formerly of the Orlando area in Florida left this world too soon on Saturday, August 1 st , 2020. She died in an automobile crash on her way to Florida. Preceding her in death were her baby daughter, Willow, and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her baby daughter, Meadow of Dalton; mother, Angie Cottrell of Dalton; father, Tony Spurlock of Florida; siblings Lainie, Hailee, Sidney, and Gabe Spurlock of Dalton; maternal grandmother and step grandfather Debbie and Gary "Chip" Chambers; maternal grandfather, Tom Schulze; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Angie had the privilege of not only naming her own five children, but Shelbey's as well. After her accident, one of her aunts researched the meaning of Shelbey's name and shared with Angie that Shelbey means "a willow grove, a place where willows grow". Angie was pleasantly surprised and comforted that both her daughter and granddaughter shared that name without her ever even planning it. Shelbey had several interests, one of which was taking photos. Whether it was a silly selfie, a photo of friends, or a shot of something outdoors, she was always taking pictures. Speaking of nature, Shelbey loved being outside and enjoyed animals. She would oftentimes bring home stray pets and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian one day. She even liked bugs! Shelbey wouldn't dare allow her mom to kill an innocent bug. Shelbey's mother saw something special in her middle daughter early on in life. Shelbey could find something in common with her sisters, brother, and friends and would build on that to create a special bond between her and each of them. Even when Shelbey was sad, she didn't want for others to feel her sadness. She saw the good in others and wanted them to do their best. Shelbey encouraged people toward excellence, which made them feel like they really could do their best. Her sister, Lainie, says that a poem that describes her well is Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall. I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and bright and sunny days . I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. Shelbey would joke around that she was her mom's favorite daughter. She would ask her mom, "Am I your favorite?" and, knowing that she loves each of children the same, Angie would always respond, "You know you are!" Shelbey's loved ones invite you to celebrate her life at a special service this Saturday, August 15th at 11am at Rock Bridge Community Church in Stage 123 at 123 W. Gordon St. Dalton, GA 30720. The family welcomes donations to Highland Rivers to help people experiencing depression as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. Cremation services were provided by Naugle Schnauss Funeral Home Cremation Services , 808 Margaret Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204, 904-683-9288.