Shelby Jean Griffin Dickens, 87, went to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Monday January 5th 2026. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Born in Franklin County, North Carolina, to Hallie Griffin and Melvie Collins Griffin, Shelby was the second oldest of 10 children. She graduated from Edward Best High School in 1956 and earned her nursing degree from the Louise Obici School of Nursing in Suffolk, Virginia in 1960.

Shelby is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charlie D. Dickens Jr. of Raleigh, son Charlie D. Dickens III (Beth) of Raleigh, grand-daughters Georgia Whittington (Will) of Atlanta, GA and Makenzie Dickens of Raleigh, sisters Doris Thompson of White Level, Hope Lewis (Randolph) of Red Oak, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Kelly Dickens Myrick and son-in-law Roland Trent Myrick, infant twin sisters Barbara Faye Griffin & Karen Kay Griffin, sister Joanne Griffin Tharrington (James), brothers Harold Griffin (Marlene), Randall Griffin, Danny Griffin, Phillip Griffin (Peggy).

Shelby lived out her faith through a life of generosity, encouragement, and service to others. She found her true calling as a nurse, working at ESB (where she met her life long best friend Marie Allen), Westinghouse and Wake Med, among others. Caring for others was her joy in life, as she selflessly opened her home caregiving for several elderly relatives until their passing and always praying for and supporting loved ones going through medical challenges.

Shelby loved shopping almost as much as caring for others, but would also give away everything she had for someone in need. She loved her family deeply and especially loved spending time with her granddaughters later in life.

Shelby will be deeply missed by her husband, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, siblings, and all who knew her selfless heart. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the many lives she touched.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 - 1:45 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Strickland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Lancaster Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of her favorite charities - Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or Samaritanspurse.org.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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