Shelly Smith Morales

Shelly Sue Smith Morales was called to heaven on May 5, 2023, embraced by her husband Jose Morales Jr. and her parents Rollin and Dixie Smith.

Shelly’s earthly journey began November 6, 1961, in Kingsville, Texas. Her personality and spirit were one of a kind. Constantly curious, she was fascinated by animals and nature and spent most of her time outdoors helping her Dad with livestock and tending to the other animals including her beloved horse Apache. Her youth was spent enjoying time with her siblings, Jessica Smith (Kingsville), Rollin Smith Jr. (San Antonio), and Abby Smith (Corpus Christi) camping, playing school, raising animals, and playing softball among other activities.

She was an avid reader who loved teaching as much as she loved learning. Shelly held leadership positions in 4H and FFA during her time at Ricardo ISD and HM King High school. Outgoing and popular, she had many friends. Making an impact on everyone who knew her.

During her time in college at Texas A&I University - Kingsville, she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Science. In her desire to grow closer to the Lord through his word in fellowship she attended Friday night bible study; where she met the love of her life and best friend Jose.

Together they pursued their devotion to Christ.  Shelly enjoyed traveling, co-ed sports like volleyball and softball. All with Jose by her side.

Shelly was blessed with her daughters Jannah Morales of Houston, Texas and Leah Morales of Dallas, Texas.

Shelly’s love for mentorship made her a natural in the middle school English classroom. She started her teaching career at Gillette Middle School and retired from teaching after 29 years in 2013 at Driscoll ISD. Her strong conviction for quality education fueled her grant writing and advocacy for the children of Texas.

Shelly began her mighty calling for Women’s Ministry through Aglow International at the age of 19. She served faithfully as a dedicated member for 43 years, and through her devotion and passion, came to hold positions on the international board of directors, and the U.S. Central Region Director.  She was a beloved mentor to hundreds of women all around the world, but her enthusiasm and desire to assist others did not stop at Aglow ministry. She was a volunteer at King’s Way Family Church and served as the Women’s Ministry Leader for over a decade. Even while Shelly was facing her health struggles, she never wavered in her devotion to others and was counseling and serving the precious women of this and surrounding communities all the way up until she was called Home.

Everyone that met Shelly was blessed to know someone strong, deeply caring, and who never failed to put others before herself.

Her services are being held at King’s Way Family Church on May 10, 2023, with a visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM and fellowship following.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Malcolm and Bessie Smith, her maternal grandparents Emil and Janice Bridgers, Uncle Crawford Smith, Aunt Arleene Brady, and cousin Briley Beaudoin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Aglow International or the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens. To honor our mother please also consider becoming an organ donor as she was through Donate Life Texas.

Shelly celebrated her life based on the knowledge that; “above all God is faithful.” Her desire would be that you go and do the same.