Sergeant Major USMC Jefferson "John" L. Shelburne

Sergeant Major USMC Jefferson “John” L. Shelburne, a native of Corpus Christy, TX and a resident of Baton Rouge, died peacefully June 12, 2024. He was 91. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved “DooDoo”, Doris Reed Shelburne of 55 years whom he married in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo, December 29, 1969. He served the US Marine Corp for 27 years, travelled the world, and served in Vietnam. Among his many awards and accomplishments, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart. 

He was an avid golfer and shared the game with his many friends and family. His love for the game brought him much happiness. His talent for the game led to the amazing accomplishment of 9 holes in one. 

He was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St Agnes Catholic Church. Through his service to St. Agnes he developed many cherished friendships with his church community. He and Doris resided in their home for over 30 years and considered their neighbors’ family. He loved his morning breakfast club and family gatherings. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. 

His memory and life will be cherished by family, and friends. 

Visitation for John and Doris will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. John and Doris will be buried together following the Mass at Louisiana National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com. 

Doris "Doll" Reed Shelburne, a native of Mamou, LA and a resident of Baton Rouge, died May 29, 2024 surrounded by family. She was 94.

As an interpreter for the US Department of State, she met and married her husband of 55 years SgtMaj Jefferson "John" LaGrande Shelburne in Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo, December 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents Russel and Mina Ledoux Reed, sisters Mary Sue Reed Seiley (Robert), Wedness Reed Guillory (Robert Edmund), brother Jeff Reed (Nina).

She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St Agnes Catholic Church. Through her service to St Agnes, she developed many cherished friendships. She had a charismatic personality, which shone through her love of life, family, and friends. She always greeted everyone with a warm, loving smile. She loved to laugh, sing, dance, joke, drink wine, visit with her morning breakfast crew, and family. She was an amazingly gracious person.

Her memory and life will be cherished by her husband, family, and friends.

Visitation for John and Doris will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. John and Doris will be buried together following the Mass at Louisiana National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m