Shelva Ruth Doolittle Calloway
November 30, 1936 ~ February 9, 2026
Born in:
Newberry County, SC
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailShelva Ruth Doolittle Calloway, 89, of Asheville entered her eternal home on Monday morning, February 9, 2026. She was the widow of Claude Calloway who died in 1973 at the age of 38. Born November 30, 1936 in Newberry County, SC to Warren Doolittle and Ruth Rawls Doolittle.
Shelva graduated from Monticello High School and continued her education at Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing and Wofford College. After graduating with a Nursing Degree, she accepted a position at Oteen Veterans Hospital in Asheville. Shelva was a devoted nurse and after retirement continued her love of the nursing profession by helping in the community. During her 37 1/2 years at the VA, she received numerous awards and recognitions.
She and Claude were charter members of Oteen United Methodist Church which later became East Asheville United Methodist. She was a devoted member, heavily involved in church activities including Sunday School, bible studies, choir, arranging lunches and outstanding special dinners. She also represented the church in many board and governing capacities.
Another important work was her involvement with “Family to Families”, an organization of several churches that provide necessities for Bell Elementary School families in need.
Surviving are her four children; Tim (Beth) Calloway, Todd Calloway, Terrell (Jamie) Calloway, and Tonya (Zeb Penland) Calloway; brother, Yancy Ray Doolittle (Chapin, SC) and sister, Nancy Kay Doolittle (Columbia, SC). Additional survivors are grandchildren; Ashley Calloway, Jackson (Melissa) Calloway, Jacob (Bekah) Calloway, Brittney (Robbie) Blanchard, and Grace Penland; great-grandchildren, Jase Williams, Maeson Williams, Jax Williams, Remi Calloway, and Truett Calloway; also, her beloved puppy, Maddie, who brought her many hours of comfort and happiness.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home, 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC. Burial will follow in Skyview Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if one so wishes, memorials may be sent to: East Asheville United Methodist Church, 48 Browndale Road, Asheville, NC 28805.
Services
Celebration of Life: February 17, 2026 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Burial:
Sky View Memorial Park
US Highway 70
Swannanoa, NC
(828)298-4037
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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Phillip Oliveira
Love and prayers to the family.
So sorry for the loss of your Mom! Lots of love and prayers for you all ❤️
Evette, Brandon and I are so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I know how much she meant to you. Know we’re holding you and your family close in our thoughts during this sad and difficult time.
Tonya and failing am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and guide you through.
My condolences to all the family, Shelva will be missed dearly 🙏🏻
Im so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Praying for all of you
Shelva was a co worker at the VA hospital. She was a sweet and excellant nurse and well liked by her patients and staff. She will be missed by all that knew her
We are so sorry about the loss of your Mother. Her beautiful spirit will always be with you🙏
Our prayers are with you at this time.
Curtis and Alita Wallen
So sorry for your loss
Todd, we are thinking of you and Jackson, sending our love and deepest condolences during this time. Our hearts are with you as you remember your mother and grandmother and support one another through the days ahead.
Todd, whilst we have not yet had the chance to meet, it means so much hear about the strong relationship you share with Jackson, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
With sympathy and support.
Wendy and Paul (Melissa’s mum and dad)
To my dear cousins, Aunt Shelva was one in a million. Always with that beautiful warm smile. I can remember the peaceful in her voice in every conversation, making you feel loved and important. Tonya, Terrell, Todd and Tim my heart aches for your loss. You each are a beautiful reminder of the genuinely amazing person your mom was. Love to you all. ❤️❤️❤️
To my dear cousins, Aunt Shelva was one in a million. Always with that beautiful warm smile. I can remember the peacefulness in her voice in every conversation, making you feel loved and important. Tonya, Terrell, Todd and Tim my heart aches for your loss. You each are a beautiful reminder of the genuinely amazing person your mom was. Love to you all. ❤️❤️❤️
To my dear cousins, I am heartbroken for your tremendous loss. Aunt Shelva was one in a million. Always had a beautiful smile and hug to share her love to you. She will be missed. I pray God comforts each of you during this difficult time. Tim, Todd, Terrell and Tonya you are all a blessing of the life she led. You are pure examples of the loving mom she was.
Praying for the entire family. ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry to read of the passing of Mrs. Calloway. A Parkway Forest and Oteen Methodist treasure. Love and prayers to all of the family.
Gail Collins McEntire