Shelly Lynn VanHorn

Shelly Lynn (Stevenson) Van Horn was born November 14, 1963 in Springfield, Oregon, to Dorsey Lee Stevenson and Patricia Kay (Gann) Stevenon. She was the fourth of six children born to her parents. She grew up in Fresno, California, later making her home in Carlsbad and Loving, New Mexico before finally settling in Lubbock, Texas. Shelly was the mother to six children. Amanda Le, Richard James, Michelle Lynn, Kayla Rose, David Lee, and Sara Lee, whom she raised to be strong, caring, and independent individuals, all of whom she was deeply proud of. She was blessed with thirteen grandsons, one granddaughter and one great-grandson.

Her grandbabies were the light of her life and all affectionally called her Memaw. Shelly had a take no bull attitude which she passed on to her daughters, as well as an inappropriate sense of humor which was also passed down to her kids. She lived a full life even if it was cut short. She had no qualms telling you Kris was her favorite grandkid, Jaxon was the most handsome, and Matt was sometimes cute. She always spoiled Elissa since she was the only girl, and adored her new great-grandbaby Kayson. No matter, all of her grandbabies meant the world to her and she would do anything she could for them.

Many knew her as the night shift manager at the local Denny’s in Carlsbad where she worked for many years. She never knew a stranger and helped many a person who was down on their luck with either a meal or a place to stay while they got back on their feet. Her home was always open to those who needed a soft place to land. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, which she passed on to her daughter Amanda and granddaughter Elissa. More recently, she spent her time also doing word searches, playing games on her tablet, and listening to her audiobooks. When her health was better you could find her on the back of a motorcycle enjoying the wind in her hair.

Shelly was preceded in death by her infant son David, grandson Emilio, father Dorsey, siblings, Henry, Dorsey Wayne, and Wendy. She is survived by her children Amanda (Jeff) Lawson of Lawn, Texas, Richard Van Horn of Lubbock, Texas, Michelle (Weston) Porter of Lubbock, Texas, Kayla (Dylan) Van Horn of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Sara Van Horn of Lubbock, Texas. Grandchildren Kristopher Estes, Brodie Lawson, Jaxon Lawson, Richard Van Horn Jr., Thomas McDonald, Logan Van Horn, Jake Van Horn, Matthew Van Horn, Mark Van Horn, Elissa Van Horn-Porter, Atlas Van Horn, Urias Rodriguez, and Oziah Rodriguez, great grandson Kayson O’Neal, her mother Patricia of Fresno, California, sisters Gladys (John) Simon of Waco, Texas, and Candice (Joe) Foweler of Fresno, California, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There are no services planned at this time, and she will be cremated. The family will have a celebration of life at a later time, with a final send off with a trip to California on the back of Amanda’s motorcycle to lay her to rest with David, which was her final wish. Though she is gone, she will not be forgotten and those who loved and knew her will carry them with her always. Mom, this isn’t goodbye, it’s ‘til we see you again.