OBITUARIES

In Loving Memory of Myrtle Elaine Shell
Myrtle, aka (Laine) Taylor, Shell, a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, entered eternal rest on August 19, 2025, in her home with her family, after battling an extended illness. She fought a good fight; she finished her course.

Myrtle was born on December 24, 1941, to the Late Fred G Taylor Sr and Myrtle Green Taylor. She was the 6th of 11 children.

Mom was educated in the PCSD. She graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1959. After high school, she completed the LPN nursing program at Saint Francis, where she was then employed for the next 38 years, until her retirement in 2007. Mom held a strong work ethic and provided quality care to each patient.

Mom was united in marriage in 1960 to the late Harold J. Shell Sr. From their union came their three children: Curtis Shell Sr., Harold J. Shell Jr., and Janice E. Shell. Mom was widowed early, but with love, strength, hard work, and the support of her family, she was able to raise us.

Mom was a woman of great strength, integrity, and loyalty wrapped in love. She enjoyed knitting and ceramics, and shopping. She also took pleasure in taking leisure rides and going to the casino. She enjoyed watching Lifetime movies and listening to music from her past. She liked good food and good conversation, at the end of which she frequently closed with the statement “peace out.”

Mom received Christ Jesus as her personal Savior and Lord in 2004 at the Beulah Baptist Church, where she was baptized and became an active member, until her health declined. She attended day bible study classes weekly and became a part of the prayer ministry in the church and in the community. She loved studying the Word of GOD and fellowship.

Left to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy are her children, Curtis Shell Sr, Harold J Shell Jr (Tonia), and Janice E Shell. Grandchildren, Curtis Shell Jr, Antione Shell, Robyn Shell. Great-grandson Curtis King-Ibrahim Shell. Siblings Frank Taylor Sr, Patricia (Larry) Broadhead, Pauline Taylor Murphy, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Beulah Baptist Church family.

Myrtle was predeceased by her siblings, Carita Taylor, Janice Taylor, Fred Taylor Jr, Eugene (Tito) Taylor, Donald (Bill Bill) Taylor, Charles (Huss) Smith, Geraldine (Deannie) Taylor Johnson, and Donna Taylor Wheatley. Grandchildren: Shequila Zhane Brown, Jamir Prince Cortez Shell.

Mom is now absent from the body and present with her Lord. She is out of this world but forever in our hearts. “Peace out, Mom.” Love you to life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Hudson Valley Hospice, 80 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601.