Velia “Elma” Shell
Velia “Elma” Shell, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida, where she also resided.
Born on May 7, 1957, in Starke, Florida, Elma was the daughter of the late Mr. Elmer Shell and the late Helen Mitchell Jackson. She was a proud graduate of Hawthorne High School, Class of 1975, where she served as a Hornet cheerleader—an early reflection of the enthusiasm and school spirit she carried throughout her life.
Elma devoted many years of her life to serving others through her work as a social worker, providing compassionate care and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Her heart for service extended beyond her profession and into her faith, as she was a devoted member of Hall Chapel United Methodist Church in Rochelle, Florida.
A woman of many interests, Elma found joy in reading novels and was an active member of both The Opinionated Ladies Book Club and One More Book Club. She also loved cooking—especially seafood—and baking for those she loved. A die-hard Florida State Seminoles fan, she cheered passionately for her team. Above all else, Elma’s greatest joy was her role as a grandmother, deeply involved in and devoted to Kaeden and Kaleb, whom she adored beyond measure.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kyle Cheston Shell, and her sister, Robyn Mitchell.
Elma leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren, Kaeden Shell and Kaleb Shell; daughter-in-law, Nikki Vargas; brother, Edward Mitchell of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Gloria Watkins of Tampa, Florida, and Suzanne “Cookie” Austin of Tampa, Florida; along with a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.
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Memorial
10
Jan
6025 SE County Road 234
Gainesville, FL 32641
