Shelby Faith McWaters

Shelby Faith McWaters, an extraordinary daughter, twin sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, became our angel on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 22.

The strength of Shelby’s pure, innocent love for her family and friends, as well as her childlike faith in all things good influenced us all and will be missed. With her infectious smile and laughter, Shelby was the heart of her family, friends, and community. She never met a stranger, those she encountered instantly became her friends. She was unapologetically herself and inspired everyone who had the privilege to know her. Shelby loved music, fashion and jewelry, and her Georgia Bulldogs.

Shelby was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandmother, Fonda McWaters, her maternal great-grandmother, Dorothy Morton, her maternal uncle, Steve Pemberton, and Buddy, her absolute best friend.

Shelby is survived by her fiercely loving parents, Chris and Tiffany McWaters, her twin sister, Ivy McWaters, and by her maternal grandparents, Ray and Linda Pemberton, paternal grandparents, Lynn McWaters and David McWaters (Donna), and paternal great-grandmother, Shirla Peace (Neal). She is also survived by her aunts and uncles Shannon and Jeff Billingsley, Crystal and Keith Mayhue, and Keith and Kim McWaters. Her cousins Destinee Billingsley, Baby Ella, Dakoda and Emily Billingsley, Hollynd Mayhue, Grayden Mayhue, Bailee McWaters, Madalyn Adams, Kristen Pemberton, Justys Bottorf, and Hunter Mefford will all cherish her memory. Shelby will be dearly missed by her best friends, Laney Heard and Anna Bates, as well as a host of extended family, close friends, and community.

Shelby's life was a testament to the power of love and kindness. To honor Shelby’s legacy, her people vow to embody kindness, to love out loud, and to live boldly. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to make a donation to the foundation in Shelby’s honor(Venmo: @Friends_of_Shelby, verification 7010).

Shelby's family invites you to join in celebrating her remarkable life and the joy she brought to so many. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Social Goat Tavern on the Covington Square, Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Arrangements are provided by Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home.