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Deacon Ceaser R. Shelly, Sr. peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, July 9th, 2023, at the age of 79.
He was born to the late Clifford Willie Shelly and Anita Pearley Shelly on November 29, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son-in-law of the late Iley Coleman, Jr and Hazel James Coleman.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Clifford Donald Shelly, Wayne J Shelly, and Jacqueline Shelly.
He is survived by his sister Diane Shelly Douglas, Wife and Friend of 59 years Mary Coleman Shelly, daughters Donna Shelly Robinson (Stephen), Kanika Shelly Snaer (Lamont) of Richmond, CA., sons Ceaser R. Shelly, Jr and Kyle John Shelly (Kendra) of Lewisville, TX.; seven grandchildren, Brianne (Ramsey), Stephen Jr (Kaitlyn), Joshua, Kyla, Daraja, Kellen, and Hazely; four great-grandchildren, Raine, Riley, Ramsey Jr and Stephen III; Brothers-In-Law Iley Coleman III, Lloyd Vincent Coleman, Charles Coleman, Sisters-In-Law Janice C. Sawyer, Ora C. Joseph, Joycelyn C. Hagan (Ozine), Adweina Shelly (Donald), Nephew of Joseph A. Pearley and a host of other relatives and friends.
Deacon Shelly was educated in the New Orleans public school system and graduated from Delgado Community College with an associate degree in Fire Technology.
Deacon Shelly retired after 26 years with the New Orleans Fire Fighters Association (NOFF) as an Apparatus Operator. He was also a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 632 Union. Deacon Shelly served as one of the first African American Fire Fighter Recruiters - encouraging many African Americans to join with much success. This resulted in recognition and an award from the Black Association of New Orleans Fire Fighters Incorporated (BANOFF). Since his ordination on December 14,1985, Deacon Shelly dedicated many years of his life to serving God as an Ordained Deacon of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He served St. Francis De Sales, St. Rita, and St. Augustine Catholic Churches, all of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was also the President of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, New Orleans Food Distribution Program for the sick and elderly. Deacon Shelly served as a volunteer Chaplain at the Interim LSU Hospital also known as University Medical Center of New Orleans (UMCNO) Hospital and Lindy Boggs Hospital. Because of his selfless work, he was awarded the St. Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This medallion honors laypersons who have contributed their time and talents to the church and serves as a token of gratitude for their Christ-like service to the church community. He was also a recipient of the Holy Name Society for Catholic Fellowship Award. Deacon Shelly served as host for many Rosary Sessions as well as host to Venerable Sister Thea Bowman. At the time of his death, Deacon Shelly served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church International Shrine of St. Jude. He served as Deacon for Orleans Parish Prison Ministry, and he presided over countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals. His gift was interacting with the young and elderly by spending quality endearing time with many. For this, he was featured in the Louisiana Weekly Newspaper “BIOS in BLACK “. He was truly a “Man of the People.”
Relatives, friends of the family, employees of the City of New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Office of Neighborhood Engagement, General Motors Financial, Xavier University of La College of Pharmacy, Touro Infirmary, VA Hospital, and Holy Ghost Catholic Church - St. Katherine Drexel Parish are all invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church International Shrine of St. Jude, 411 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Anthony Rigoli, O.M.I. will officiate the Mass. Co-celebrants will be Monsignor John Cisewski and Father Victor Cohea.
Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary at 9:00 a.m., the Final Alarm tribute by the New Orleans Fire Department, and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Due to COVID variants, face masks and social distancing are encouraged.
The service viewing will be available via live stream on the St. Jude Shrine, New Orleans Facebook Page or Website @ https://judeshrine.com/
Interment: Carrollton Cemetery #2, 1701 Hillary Street New Orleans, LA 70118. A repast will follow the mass and burial at the Xavier University College of Pharmacy, Qatar Pavilion Atrium, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125-1098.
In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church International Shrine of St. Jude on behalf of Deacon Ceaser R. Shelly, Sr. Funeral arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.
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