Annette Shelby, Wife of Longtime US Senator, Dies at Tuscaloosa Home

Annette Nevin Shelby, the wife of longtime US Senator Richard Shelby, passed away at her home in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday.

She died at the age of 86, and was married to Shelby for 65 years - they shared two sons and two grandchildren.

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UA's new President, Peter Mohler, issued a statement mourning her passing.

“The University of Alabama honors the life and legacy of Dr. Annette Nevin Shelby, a distinguished alumna, faculty member and scholar whose influence helped shape this institution and generations of students. Dr. Shelby exemplified the highest ideals of academic excellence, civic engagement and lifelong learning.

“Her contributions as a teacher, researcher and champion for the arts and education extended far beyond the classroom. The Shelby Endowment for Distinguished Faculty and the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership stand as reflections of her enduring commitment to cultivating leadership, service and scholarship.

“We join the campus community in mourning her passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Senator Shelby and the entire Shelby family.”

Shelby also taught at the business school of Georgetown University for 20 years, becoming the first woman there to be promoted to Professor.

She also held an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an honorary Litterarum Humanorum Doctoris degree from the University of South Alabama.

She was a Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church for several years and held dozens of leadership and advisory positions at the University, the Junior League, the Tuscaloosa County Mental Health Board and many, many more.

A Tuscaloosa park on 15th Street bears her name.

Her obituary boasts that Annette Shelby visited each of the 50 U.S. States as well as "most countries in the world."

The family held a private graveside service at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park after her passing.

They said in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa or the Shelby Institute at the University of Alabama.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama celebrated the Shelbys after the Senator's retirement from office in 2023, and their Executive Vice President Donny Jones mourned her passing in a statement to the Thread.

"Mrs. Shelby has always led by example with her quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of education and community," Jones said. "Her steadfast support of Senator Shelby during their tenure in Washington, DC will have a lasting impact on Tuscaloosa and our great State. The ripple effect of her life will continue to make waves of wisdom, kindness, and opportunity for generations to come."