Shelba Jean (Crowe) Reel

Shelba Jean (Crowe) Reel

     Keyser, WV - Shelba Jean (Crowe) Reel went to sleep in the arms of Jesus on July 28, 2025 at the age of 72, after a courageous eight-year battle of breast cancer.  She was born on December 12, 1952, in Keyser, WV.  The daughter of the late Archie C. Crowe and Geraldine K. (Rawlings) Crowe. Shelba was also preceded in death by her beloved big brother, Larry M. Crowe and his wife Victoria S. (Chidester) Crowe and a special uncle, Larry Phillip Rawlings and a special niece, Chrissy Crowe.

     Shelba is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James T. Reel, her 2 daughters: Shellie M. (Reel) Bachert and husband Michael, Sarah V. (Reel) VanMeter and husband Brian, and her son Micah J. Reel wife Jillian. Grandchildren, Sabrina VanMeter and Matt, Tiffany VanMeter, Sean VanMeter wife Nikki, Brittany (VanMeter) Pancake husband Reuben, Jonah Reel, Claire Reel. Great-grandchildren, Arabella VanMeter, Payton Dove, Landyn Dove, Kinsley VanMeter, Kylie McGreavy, Ella Coccagna, and soon to be born Sophia Rose VanMeter.  Sister Marsha Chambers husband Mark, Brother Randy Crowe wife Tammy, also many nieces and nephews, Aunt Louise “Pooch” (Rawlings) Sidley, Aunt Betty Rawlings and other cousins.

     Shelba became an amazing pianist and vocalist. She played for Duling Methodist Church and Community Bible Church and for the last 20 years was pianist and worship leader for Believer’s Fellowship. She was a song writer as well and her songs were sung in local churches. Songs such as “Your Name”, “On the Wings of the Wind”, “Only Jesus, Only Son” and “True Love Looks with the Heart”.  Although she graduated Keyser High School (1970) and the Tri-State Beauty Academy in Cumberland she was a devoted homemaker and worked as a seamstress for Shapiro’s, doing alterations for weddings, prom gowns, and much more. She made gowns for many of her family’s weddings.  She was famous for her taco salad and red velvet cakes. She dedicated herself to her Sunday school for ages 5-12, teaching the love of the Lord to help and develop their relationships with Christ.  Her greatest love was her family and she devoted her life to nurturing, teaching and caring for them. It was her ministry, her calling and her art – a selfless gift she gave wholeheartedly to those she loved most.  She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and drew strength from the Word of God, even to the very end writing scriptures down that spoke to her heart each day.

     In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Shelba to the Building Fund of the Believer’s Fellowship, 155 East Street, Keyser, WV 26726.

     Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Markwood Funeral Home from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Believer’s Fellowship Church at 1:00pm with Pastor Randy Crowe officiating. Interment will follow services in Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser.

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