Shelby McLaughlin Whitehead Russell, 88, of Hampton passed away Sunday, December 28th, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family. A native of Roan Mountain and to the Tiger Creek community she was loved by all.  Born to the late Gomorrah and Mae Julian McLaughlin. She was a graduate of Cloudland High School. She began her career at Ms. Edward's School of Beauty as an instructor. She later retired as a cosmetologist. After retirement she became a full-time care giver.

She was a mother to everyone; she loved to crochet and was a wonderful cook.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 1st husband and father to her children, Vern Whitehead, her 2nd husband Wayne Russell, a son Bruce Whitehead, and her siblings Bud "Butch" McLaughlin, Gomorrah "Dood" McLaughlin and Juanita "Pooch" Simerly (Jack).

She was a member of Hopson Chapel Free Will Baptist Church but attended Little Mountain Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children Danita Whitehead, Bobby Whitehead, Penny Whitehead (Danny Oliver), and Shane Whitehead. Her sister, Ruby Brooks (Ron). Over 30 grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Service to Celebrate the life of Shelby will be conducted on Saturday January 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Hopson Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Nelson Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Josey Oliver, Jonah Bowling, Jotham Whitehead, Cody Grisham, Gavin Rolley and Tony Whitehead. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website www.memorialfcelizabethton.com or at her home in Hampton on First Ave.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Russell family