Shelby Ann Douglas Trento, 68, beloved wife of Don Trento, passed away on June 29, 2024, at her home in Naples, Florida, surrounded by her loving family and cherished cats.
Born in Hemingway, South Carolina, on July 19, 1955, she was the daughter of the late John and Shelby Rowe Douglas. Shelby Ann was an alumna of USC—Coastal, where she played basketball and volleyball. As an adult, she attended Florida Gulf Coast University for environmental science, where she channeled her passion to assist with their research programs. Shelby enjoyed cruising, caring for animals, playing the slots, spending time with her extended family and special friends, and bringing a smile to the faces of all she met.
Shelby leaves behind her devoted husband of 37 years, Don Trento, brother John (Noriene) Douglas of Mt. Pleasant, SC, sister Renee Lawrimore of Manning, SC; nieces Faith (JP) Truesdale of SC, Erin Douglas of NY, and Kelly Douglas of GA; great-nephew Jake Truesdale; great-nieces Lucy and AnnElise Truesdale; special aunts and a host of loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Donald Douglas.
Shelby’s life was a testament to her genuine love and care for people and animals. Her generosity and compassion for others were boundless. She never had children of her own, but she loved and was loved by many. Her kindness provided opportunities for those from any circumstance to see and achieve things they may never have had a chance to do otherwise, and she has left a positive impact on countless individuals. This kind of love for others culminated in her last wishes for Christ to be known in the hearts of all she loved.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Shelby’s special friend, Christine Yeomans. Christine was a dedicated caregiver during Shelby’s recent illness, providing warmth and support in her final days.
Shelby was a true animal lover who devoted much time and resources to caring for many animals, including her rescued felines, whom she treasured. To honor her legacy, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SNIP Collier (www.snipcollier.org) or an animal rescue of your choice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in her home state of South Carolina at a future date.
Joseph Caputo
July 1, 2024, 3:37 pm
Memories made with Shelby were always life long memories and reminders of just how good the best times in life can be. All who knew her were blessed to have Shelby as a loving friend and caring mentor. Her adventurous spirit was nothing less than infectious and she will truly be missed. My heart felt condolences and prayers go out to her husband Don and brother John.
Jackie Elmer
July 1, 2024, 5:03 pm
Sending love and prayers to Don and family. Also to my sister Chris who will miss her dear friend so much.
Mary Cherico
July 1, 2024, 6:57 pm
Our condolences go out to all of her family, our love and prayers are with you
Mary and Art Cherico
Brenda Rich
July 1, 2024, 7:38 pm
So very sorry for your loss the family is in my prayers
Karen Pounds
July 1, 2024, 7:41 pm
I’ll never forget cruising down the Blvd. when it was snowing In Myrtle Beach in your convertible with Michelle!! We had lots of fun. And it was always great to see you when came home to SC. GOD’s speed.
Marie Spivy
July 1, 2024, 9:29 pm
She was Beautiful inside and out. Loving to all and I will miss her tremendously. Best Memories on vacations, parties and the casinos. I will miss her very much.
Holly Marx
July 1, 2024, 10:49 pm
Don condolences on the passing of Shelby she was such a bright light to everyone and she was amazing with her love for children as my two will not forget her generosity and fun personality! Fly free beautiful angel!
The Marx family Phil Holly Teyanna and Nathan
Renee Lawrimore
July 2, 2024, 1:25 am
My sister Shelby was one of the most unique people that I have ever known! Growing up with her was never dull! She was hilarious, Lucille Ball had nothing on her! I was the oldest, but she always bossed me around! Lol Sne thought she best about everything! Most things I really appreciated especially her fashion tips and decorating ideas! I didn’t appreciate the bullfrog she put in my bath or chasing me around with a real hog head! Or getting me in a swing and winding it up so tight that it spun me around for what seemed like hours! Smile!
I have never seen a baby or animal who didn’t fall in love with her! Also one Christmas she ended up with three boyfriends at the same time! That really was interesting!
One day though she met her Prince Charming, Don Trento! And he swift her off her feet and was always willing to go alone with whatever she wanted to do! My hat goes off to you, Don! She could be cankerous. But she truly loved you!
Shelby Ann, I am so ticked off that you left me! There was so much you needed to teach me! I really missed you bossing me around! The world will never be as bright without you! Thank you for all you and Don did for me, Faith, Jp, the grandkids, Mom and Dad and Donald and many others! Keep the light on! I will be there soon! RIP Sissy! You will never be forgotten! Love you always, Renee ✝️❤️
Julie Buckley
July 2, 2024, 4:03 am
Erin, I am so sorry about the passing of your beloved aunt. I know how much those aunties can mean to a young women! May she rest in peace and may her family rejoice in having had and known her and her precious gifts!
Jo Burke-Martin
July 2, 2024, 7:28 am
I don’t really have all the right words, but wanted to say just how much I loved Shelby. She was so courageous, loving, possessed of such kindness and generosity and a great sense of humour. I used to find myself in awe of her strength. She epitomised for me what people should aspire to, nothing fake or disingenuous, just a thoroughly decent human being in all respects. Today must be really hard for Shelby’s family, and for all who knew and loved her, but I believe we will look back in the near future with a smile, just happy to have known her. May she rest peacefully and go with her god.
jimmy Chinnes
July 2, 2024, 3:29 pm
Don, Johnny, Renee-All family and many friends. We’ve been friends all her life, shocked to see this. My love to all. LOVE ALWAYS
Jimmy!
Eric Johnson
July 3, 2024, 1:54 am
Shelby Ann’s parents had been as grandparents to me and my siblings growing up in South Carolina. When I was on the edge of 20, I spent a summer living with Don and Shelby Ann in their then apartment home in Naples. That summer proved to be the greatest occasion to do some growing up and figuring out of who I was. Shelby was very much like another mother to me in that time of my life. I will never forget the sense of self-worth she instilled in me – all the while nurturing many other young friends and relations. I would not be who I am now, nor the same father to my own children, if not for her love and tutelage. I will do my best to carry your light forward to others, Shelby.
Anne M. Johnson
July 3, 2024, 5:28 am
So much love for all the family and friends! What a loss! Shelby will be warmly welcomed by her mom, dad and brother in heaven. I will never forget summers in Myrtle Beach getting spoiled rotten by Shelby. She was the loving older sister I never had. She was a light and blessing to so many. An angel returns home. Surely she will be watching over her herd of loved ones till we all meet again✨Anne
Alexandra Sizemore
July 3, 2024, 7:24 pm
Shelby
It broke my heart to hear the news of your passing and words don’t simply fail at times like this. Trying to put into words the emotions I am feeling is so hard. I had just texted you on Friday to ask if everything was ok as I saw lots of cars at your house and I will always regret not knocking on the door to check. That is something I will regret for a long time.
You were one of a kind Shelb!
Your kindness and generosity knew no bounds. I truly do not think that I have ever known anybody with such a generous kind heart as yours. And your dedication and love for so many stray animals was admirable.
You supported me during a very rough first marriage and Without our girls weekends away with the “Tropigals” Bowling teams I don’t know what I would’ve done. You shared my happiness when I remarried, and threw my wedding shower and bachelorette party.
I hope you know how much I loved you and How the world will not be the same without you in it. My heart goes out to Dan and your family. I hope you rest in peace reunited with your mama and Papa and brother and the many many many animals waiting for you on the rainbow bridge. Will love and miss you always Shelby.
Ivan Johnson
July 4, 2024, 12:45 am
I’m sad to learn that we lost Shelby Ann. She was a bright star in my childhood. She was like a high-octane older cousin who loved spoiling me. I stood in awe of her energy and drive. I think if you listened close enough you could hear her crackling with energy like a high-voltage power line.
I’m sad that you were called home so soon, Shelby, but I know your love and good works remain alive here in all of the lives you were a part of. Rest in peace.