Shelbie Jean Smith Pickering Craft

The Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, called Shelbie Jean Smith Pickering Craft, age 86, home on October 9, 2025 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital. Shelbie was born September 5, 1939, in Laurel, MS.

Mrs. Craft graduated from Jones County Agricultural High School and Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of William Carey University and an Honors Graduate of the National School of Mortgage Banking.

Mrs. Craft is a member of Bayou View Baptist Church where she served as Treasurer for many years. She also served in the ministries of Bayou View Baptist Church as Bible study leader on prophecy, choir member, Sunday school teacher, Prison Ministry coordinator, Church Clerk, Church Treasurer, historian, librarian, tape ministry coordinator, children’s choir leader, and Senior Council officer.

Mrs. Craft retired from Hancock Bank Real Estate Department in 1998 after 26 years with Hancock Mortgage Corporation as Vice President and Loan Officer with Hancock Bank Real Estate Department. Her biography and achievements as mortgage loan executive are listed in the “Who’s Who in Finance and Industry”. During her career, she received the designations of Registered Mortgage Underwriter and Certified Review Appraiser from the Veteran Administration and Federal Housing Administration. She was a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, National Mortgage Loan Servicing Association, the Gulf Coast Mortgage Bankers Association, Board of Realtors and many business and professional organizations during her career.

She also was a volunteer instructor in the Adult Literacy Program for Harrison County during evening sessions and delivered meals for the Feed My Sheep program and served in Memorial Hospital Volunteer Program.

Preceding Mrs. Craft in death are her first husband of 50 years, James Dale Pickering; father, Robert Lee Smith; mother, Virgie Clyde Shoemake Smith; Willie Mae Robinson Smith; sisters, Virginia Gale Smith Myers James and Bonnie Robinson Davis; and stillborn twin brothers. Survivors include her loving husband, Glen Edwin Craft; one Son, James Stephen (Steve) Pickering (Bridget Pickering); Grandson, Christopher Sharp Pickering (Briana); Great Grandsons, Weston Caise Pickering and Briar James Pickering; one Brother, James Robert Smith (Joy) of Omaha, NE; special Niece, Rhonnie Myers Bellin (Michael) of Texas; and many other beloved Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews, Cousins, relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Craft will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Bayou View Baptist Church Mission fund.

Jesus said “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the family.