Shelby Jean Richardson Hubbard
October 26, 1938 - May 8, 2013

Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present

Obituary​

Shelby's day began without pain and suffering today for the first time in many years as she crossed over the rainbow bridge and gathered up her old Doberman buddy, Cassie. She is now sitting at the foot of the throne, free of pain, full of energy, and talking with her sisters, Nita and Jo Ann, and her mother, Jennie. God may well be hard pressed to get a word in edgewise! And what a joyous occasion it was! Her son, daughter, and a bevy of grandchildren, their husbands, fiancés, and good buddies had a going away party to be remembered that night, celebrating her life, expressing their love, remembering the essence of Shelby Jean! She was born in Colquitt County, Georgia, on October 26, 1938, and went to join the Lord on May 8, 2013. Shelby spent many years in the aviation industry, beginning with Southern Airways in the days of the old twin engine DC3, continuing into the jet age through consolidation to Republic Airlines, then absorbed by Northwest Orient, and finally receiving her pension check from Delta. Shelby thrived on the whirling of propellers, the fumes of the jet fuel, and the tight schedules of aviation. Shelby is predeceased by her parents, Jake and Jennie Richardson; a brother, Claude Wandell; and sisters, Anita Harrell and Jo Ann Cottle. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bob, of Perry; her son, Bob Hubbard, Jr. (Elaine) of Lawrenceville; her daughter, Valarie Ford (Ken) of Warner Robins; her four marvelous granddaughters, Hillary Hubbard of Atlanta, Michelle Koehle (Will) of Perry, Shannon Ford of Valdosta, and Madeleine Hubbard of Atlanta; one sister, Betty Barnes (Pete) of Jackson; brothers, Dr. Mel Richardson and Ron Richardson, both of Atlanta; and a host of nieces and nephews. Home Going Services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Perry United Methodist Church. Entombment will be in the Freedom Mausoleum at Perry Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. A brief visitation will follow the interment at the Gardens. To share a special story or leave a condolence for the family, please visit the online guestbook at or visit the Watson-Hunt Funeral Home Facebook page. Published in The Telegraph May 11, 2013.