Harold Shelby

February 6, 2022

Dr. Harold Thomas Shelby departed this earthly life February 6, 2022. He was born August 9, 1942 in Rockford, IL, the son of Claybrone and Florencella Shelby. He graduated from West High School in Rockford and earned his Bachelor’s and Medical degrees from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Shelby then went on to complete his residency and fellowship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, New York. He was a proud member of the National Medical Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was also a devoted member of The Good Providers. During the past 14 months, Dr. Shelby lived in Rockford, however for more than forty years he lived and practiced medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana as a Gastroenterology physician. In 1977, Dr. Shelby came to New Orleans to join a group of African American Physicians with a vision to establish a medical practice consisting of many specialties ensuring continuity of care for their patients. These trailblazing doctors were known as Medical Associates, one of the largest multi-specialty groups in the United States. Dr. Shelby was truly loved and respected by countless patients. For most of Dr. Shelby’s patients, a visit to his office provided not just an opportunity for excellent care but provided an opportunity for socialization and hope. In recognition of the quality compassionate care Dr. Shelby provided, the New Orleans Magazine listed him as one of the “Top Ten Physicians in New Orleans”. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Shelby served as a Gastroenterology physician at Pendleton Memorial Hospital in New Orleans East. Forced to leave New Orleans in 2005 due to the devastation to the city caused by Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Shelby relocated to Houston, Tx. There, he joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology at Baylor University Hospital. His reputation as an excellent diagnostician, practitioner and teacher, preceded his arrival and earned him many kudos from patients and students alike during his tenure. Although passionate about his profession and dedicated to providing the best care for his patients, Dr. Shelby was more than just a hard-working physician. He truly enjoyed life and loved to laugh. He was always the life of every party; his humor was contagious, and his smile lit up every room he entered. Dr. Shelby, however, also enjoyed golfing, the solitude of fishing, the simple quiet pleasure of reading a book, as well as enjoying the fellowship and the adventure of hunting. During many philosophical conversations, he was quick to say that he was not a perfect man, but he was a man who had deep and profound love for his family and above all, his greatest joy was his children. When speaking of his children, there was always a twinkle in his eye and pride in his voice. He loved being a part of the most important events of their lives, and that was unmistakable as he beamed with pride when he gave his youngest daughter away in marriage three months ago. He delighted in getting to know and spend time with his grandchildren and always wished he could have spent more time with each of them. Dr. Harold Thomas Shelby was preceded in death by his parents, Claybrone and Florencella Shelby; and his brothers, Dr. Claybrone Shelby and Dr. Elliott Treadwell. He leaves to cherish his many loving memories and legacy, his three sons, Harold T. Shelby, Jr., Ryan W. Shelby, and Brandon H. Shelby; three daughters, Dr. Bonita (Dr. Eric) Shelby Ward, Dr. Amelia (Dr. Cordell) Shelby-Nwokeji and Brittany (Faveron) Shelby-Moore; 9 grandchildren, Marcus Ward, Spencer Ward, Adaora Nwokeji, Soleil Shelby, C.J. Nwokeji, Cameron Nwokeji, Bella Shelby, Brandon Shelby, Jr., and Scarlett Shelby; brother Ronald (Anacleta) Shelby; sister, Roberta (Donald) Toomer; and a host of other relatives and special friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, February 19, 2022, 11:00 am at First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St. New Orleans, LA Pastor Shawn Moses Anglim; with Reverend Aaron Treadwell, Ph.D. of Key Memorial United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, TN officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Internment Rockford, Illinois. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.