Shelby Morse

Shelby Jean Morse, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on March 13, 2025, at PBRMC, having lived a long, beautiful life filled with love, faith, and hard work. She was born on Aug. 14, 1938, to her parents, Faye and Hattie Walker.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack, and their first son, Gary Morse; her parents; and her dear sisters, Olline Manns and Dorthea (“Dot”) Willcut.

She is survived by her baby sister, Nelda Garrett of Poplar Bluff; son, Larry (Amy) of Qulin, Missouri; and her daughter, Donna (Phillip) Buhler of Poplar Bluff. Also surviving is Nancy Morse, wife of the late Gary Morse of Poplar Bluff. Maw Maw’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Josh (Jamie) Morse, Greg (Tamara) Morse, Allyson (Kyle) Huggins, Doug (Jennifer) Morse, Christopher (Klarissa) Morse, Madison (Zachary) Goode, and Holden Morse. Her great-grandchildren—Jackson, Josiah, Ty, Eli, Isaac, Abel, Lincoln, Bryar, Katie, and Grady—brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her close in-laws, Bill (Dean) Morse, and Steve (Marcia) Morse, treasured nieces and nephews, and a wonderful circle of lifelong friends who meant the world to her.

Maw Maw was a woman of strength and kindness, a hard worker through and through. Whether she was driving tractors, plowing gardens, or making sure no one ever left her home hungry, she poured love into everything she did. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like family.

She was a spitfire in the best way—full of grit, determination, and just the right amount of sass. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and had a heart big enough to love everyone around her.

Her kitchen held some of the best memories—she was known for her peanut butter and syrup waffles, coffee with graham crackers, and her love for Diet Pepsi and popcorn. But more than that, she was known for her warm heart, her unwavering faith, and the way she loved her family fiercely.

Maw Maw loved the Lord with all her heart and was at peace knowing she would soon be reunited with those who had gone before her. She was ready to go home, to be welcomed by the arms of Jesus and the loved ones who were waiting for her.

She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 at New Home General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Wappapello, Missouri.

Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com