Shelly J Barley

Shelly J. Barley, 58, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, formerly of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on February 21, 2026. While her time here feels far too short for those who love her, she lived a life full of faith, purpose, and unwavering love.

Above all, Shelly loved the Lord. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, even in the most difficult seasons. Throughout her cancer journey, she remained steadfast in her belief that God is good. With grace and courage, she reminded those around her that we cannot be angry with God for not granting the miracle we desperately prayed for, but rather have faith that the reward for her earthly life is much grander than unanswered prayers. Shelly knew where she was going, and she faced heaven with peace.

Born in Anderson, North Carolina to Jerry and Brenda Curtis, Shelly resided in many states while growing up as a pastor's daughter. During her younger years she developed talented vocals as she sang alongside her family. Throughout her life, Shelly's beautiful singing voice was a gift to everyone who heard it. Whether in church, at home, or riding in a vehicle, her powerful voice carried both conviction and joy. She enjoyed praise music and didn't just sing the songs, she worshiped though them with her gift. Shelly ultimately settled in Jonesboro Arkansas where she acquired a wide network of loved ones while frequently returning to and considered Marion, Indiana "home."

Professionally, Shelly was a well liked and well respected Human Resources Director who led with integrity, fairness, and compassion. Her people skills were unmatched while having a rare ability to balance policy with heart. Those who worked under her and alongside her leadership would say she wasn't just an HR manager, but she was fair and kind in holding high standards equally while always seeing the person behind the situation. Shelly was also known for her humor and sharp wit that she always delivered with a sparkle in her eye. She had a way of lightening heavy moments without minimizing them, as humor was one of her many love languages. Shelly's love for her family and friends was extraordinary. She wholeheartedly believed in every person in her tribe. Time spent with her people was one of her greatest joys. Whether friend or family, if you belonged to Shelly, you knew it! She supported fiercely by offering wisdom, guidance, and sometimes lovingly blunt advice when needed. She showed up in all ways, big and small, and behind the scenes. During her most recent support of Keith Pasqua through a cancer support group, Shelly became a go-to source for not only his medical journey but also in his walk with God. A true testament of faithfully loving others during her own exhausting battles. Of all the roles she carried, being a mother and grandmother was one of her most treasured. She celebrated loudly, supported fiercely and loved deeply when it came to each of them. She dedicated herself to being their biggest cheerleader, never missing an opportunity to show up, brag on, and show her pride in every milestone, for each one was worthy of celebration in her eyes.

By her side, from the moment they met through every step of her cancer journey, her deeply devoted and loving husband of 35 years, Dave, cared for her with tenderness, strength, and an unwavering commitment that spoke louder than words ever could. He became her steady hand on the hard days, her quiet strength when treatment was long and exhausting, and her comfort in the stillness of uncertain nights. Their marriage is the picture of true partnership and sacrificial love. They faced every up and down in life the same way... together. Cancer was not a journey Shelly walked alone, it was one they walked together hand in hand. Dave carried burdens she didn't need to feel, shielded her from worries he could absorb himself, and poured out care without ever keeping score. His devotion remained steady, faithful, and constant and Shelly loved him more each and every day for it. Through every appointment, every difficult report, every hopeful moment, and every tearful one, Dave stood firm beside her. His care reflected the very love Shelly believed in. Patient, kind, selfless, and unconditional. Dave and Shelly's introduction to each other by mutual friends, Randy and Deb Morrison, started a relationship that turned into a testimony of the commitment "in sickness and in health" that they lived out fully and faithfully. Their love will remain as part of Shelly's legacy and a reflection of the faith they both held so dearly. He was her steady place and she was his heart... proudly, she wouldn't have traded that for the world.

Shelly is survived by her husband Dave Barley Jr.; children, Amanda Barley, Major Micah (Courtney) Barley, Justin Barley, and Tyler (Alex) Barley; grandchildren, Tristen (Alivia) Hayes, Isley (Ryan) Hayes, Audrey Barley, William Barley, Annalee Barley, and a baby boy due in May; mother, Brenda Curtis; father-in-law, David Barley Sr.; siblings, Jed (Cheryl) Curtis, John (Marcia) Curtis, Penny (David) Bowers; brother-in-law, Marty Smith; nieces and nephews, Chris (Lara) Curtis, Derek (Claire) Curtis, Whitney (John) Smith, Haleigh (Joe) McCauley, Emma Curtis, Decklyn Curtis, Jack Curtis, and Daniel McMurray; favorite uncle, Tom (Linda) Scott; among many other loved family and friends.

Shelly is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Curtis; her sister, Jovita Curtis-Smith; her mother-in-law, Jennie Barley; her sister-in-law, Stephanie McMurray; and the father of her two eldest grandchildren, Joel Hayes.

Though we grieve deeply, we do not grieve without hope. Shelly's faith assures us that she is whole, healed, and rejoicing in heaven. Her life is a testimony of grace, resilience, laughter, and great love. The impact she made on her family, friends, church, and colleagues will continue for generations. Shelly leaves behind a legacy of faith in Jesus, courage in suffering, kindness in leadership, humor in hardship, and love without condition.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Two services will be held.

Jonesboro, Arkansas:
Saturday, February 28th
The Pentecostals of Jonesboro
5312 S Caraway Rd.
Visitation 12-2 pm
Funeral Service 2 pm

Marion, Indiana:
Saturday, March 7th
First Pentecostal Church
1116 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Visitation 11 am-1 pm
Funeral Service at 1 pm

Graveside service will follow, the Marion service, at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W 26th St, Marion, IN 46953.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Axios Jonesboro Christian Academy, a program lovingly supported by Dave and Shelly.

Donations may be mailed to:

The Pentecostals of Jonesboro
Attn. Axios
5312 South Caraway Road
Jonesboro, AR 72404

Or give online at: Axios Jonesboro Christian Academy

Local arrangements entrusted to Whetsel Funeral Service, 1503 S Park Ave, Alexandria, IN 46001.

Bud and Susan Whetsel, along with the entire staff, are honored to care for the Barley family during this time.