Shelly was born on March 11, 1950, to James and Maggie Mae Brown Carter. He was a unique and powerful man whose impact on others will forever be remembered. Shelly departed this life on June 28, 2022, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

At an early age, Shelly joined Shiloh M.B. Church and was baptized. Shelly graduated from Harper High School in 1970. He was one of the best football players around Mendenhall. Shelly worked 25 plus years at Universal Manufacturing which later was renamed Magnetek.

Shelly was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maggie Carter; his grandmother, Minnie Lee Brown, who raised him; two sisters, Magalene and Earnestine; and one brother, Christopher Carter; and a bonus mom, Bernice Norwood.

Shelly leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Mary Helen Thornton of 35 years; two daughters, Shantel (Ollie) Jefferson of Brandon, Mississippi and Angelica Thornton of Mendenhall, Mississippi; two sons, Samuel (Jennetta) McDonald of Marrero, Louisiana and Kenny (Latoby) Lee; one sister, Katherine (Larry) Williams of Pinola, Mississippi; three brothers, Jessie Carter of Mt. Olive, Mississippi, Chad and Clinton Carter both of New Orleans, Louisiana; two bonus brothers, Willie and Roosevelt Norwood; and one bonus sister, Betty Ann Norwood of Braxton, Mississippi; grandchildren, Brandon Carter, Amari Carter, Braylen Jefferson, Jabari Craft, Jaleeya Craft, Jamyia Carter, Jaelyn Craft, Samuel Cornelius McDonald, Jr., Maurice Marshawn McDonald, Samyree Miracle Watson, Dantray Jefferson, Alicia Jefferson, and Branden Jefferson; step-grandchildren, YiKeshia Jones, Y'Quann Townsend, and Braylen Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.