Shelly Ann DeJarnette

A beloved daughter, amazing Mom, aunt, sister and friend to what seems like half the world. She was born to Callista and Alvin DeJarnette on December 27, 1979, in Brighton, Massachusetts. Shelley was raised in Brighton, Massachusetts before moving to Salem, Massachusetts as a teenager. She graduated from Salem High School in 1997. Shelley continued her education at Salem State University as well as Johnson and Wales University, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Shelley entered the workforce as a 911 dispatcher in Essex County. A few years later Shelley began working as a Court Officer for the Massachusetts Trial Court. Her journey led her through Gloucester, Salem, and Woburn, where she became an Administrative Supervisor, a job she was incredibly proud of. Shelley loved to cook, travel, and go out to eat with her friends. She was an amazing friend to all and had a way of making people feel cared for, loved, and welcomed.

Beyond her career, Shelley was a woman who found joy in life and in the people she loved. She was selfless by nature and moved through life with a genuine desire to take care of those around her. She was always there for the people she loved, giving her time, support, and kindness without hesitation. As a mother to her only child, Destinee, Shelley was her daughter's biggest supporter. She encouraged her to chase her dreams and was there for every volleyball game, dance recital, track meet, and college tour, always making sure her daughter knew she believed in her. Shelley will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her kindness, and her infectious laugh, but most of all, for the love she gave so freely to the people around her.

Shelley was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Florence Henderson; grandmothers, Janett Wade and Willie Mae Nolan; aunt, Glenda DeJarnette; and uncles, Stephen Sampson, William Sampson, and Victor Sampson.

Shelley leaves behind her daughter, Destinee DeJarnette-Alexandre; her beloved friend and partner in parenthood, Jerry Alexandre; her parents, Alvin and Callista DeJarnette; and her siblings, Louis DeJarnette, Janett DeJarnette, and Mary Jane DeJarnette. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She leaves behind a family and community who will carry her memory and the love she gave them forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Destinee’s college fund as she continues her journey toward a career in dentistry. https://gofund.me/a012fa62c