Shelley Gilreath

Shelley Gilreath was a force of nature; fiery, quick-witted, hearty of laugh, generous with a smile, outspoken, opinionated, and deeply loyal to those she loved. She openly lived her life with those paramount virtues, championing the downtrodden, ever seeing good in others, and finding joy in the simple moments she shared with family and friends. Born in Somerset, Kentucky, on 18 May 1981 to Delmer Gilreath, Jr, and Katy Jones Gilreath, Shelley grew up in Whitley City, Kentucky, surrounded by a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bold and strong-willed, she was recognized as an advocate for children and those in crisis while serving as Ms Kentucky United States 2009, often working with the Kentucky Court of Justice, which led to recognition by the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce.

A lifelong devotee to the Miss McCrearyFest Pageant, she eventually served as its Executive Director, and it was under her tutelage that the pageant became an official Miss America preliminary, providing scholarship and educational opportunities to the young women of McCreary County and across the commonwealth. She continued to be active in the pageant industry, supporting, mentoring, and coaching young women to aspire to their greatest potential, an endeavor through which she built lifelong friendships.

Through the years, the world remained her muse. Always hungry for knowledge, she was an avid reader and a lover of Faulkner and Shakespeare, whom she pleasure read, the beat poets, Harry Potter, Superman, music, travel, outdoor adventures, especially hiking and spending time on the water. In her youth, she had been a world-class athlete in tennis and loved the New York Yankees and the British Monarchy.

She was a graduate of Pensacola Christian Academy, where she excelled in French and Art History, and was a student at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. A devoted Star Wars fan and movie buff, she wrote and directed the short-film, Birmingham, while a student at Somerset Community College.

She was confirmed at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and attended Christ the King Anglican Church. She was of the Anglican faith.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, the late-Thurman and Mabel (Earls) Jones and Delmer and Faye (Martin) Gilreath and one brother, Roger Wayne Gilreath. She is survived by family, including her parents, Delmer Gilreath, Jr, and Katy Jones Gilreath, a stepmother, Vicki Ridener Gilreath; siblings, Zoe Gilreath, Daniel Shane Gilreath, Jenna Yancey (and fiance Zachary Cordell), Kaitlyn Crabtree Gilreath, and Bailie King Gilreath, a slew of aunts, uncles, cousins, a host of friends, whom she held dear, and a “fearless dragon,” her pet (bearded dragon), Hermione.

Shelley left a legacy of love and compassion that touched all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 26 April 2025 at 1pm at Christ the King Anglican Church in Marshes Siding, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to create a scholarship to The Miss McCrearyFest Pageant, PO Box 62, Whitley City, KY 42653.