Carolyn Kyle Shelby

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OLD UNION – The Costume World lady has crossed over the chilling waters of Jordan to that land that’s fairer than day.  Known by those closest that she loved most as “Faye Carolyn,” Carolyn Kyle Copeland Shelby died  of a Covid-19 related illness on Tuesday evening, August 31, 2021 at North Mississippi Medical Center.  Born on June 17, 1939 on the Kyle family land to the late H.L. “Fay” Kyle and Viva Pettey Kyle, she spent most all her life on this sacred soil.  Carolyn graduated from Shannon High School in 1958 where she was crowned Most Beautiful and was the first ever Head Drum Majorette for Shannon High. She grew up in and was a member at her death of the First Baptist Church of Shannon. Her beauty as a young lady was striking and she landed a modeling job in California right after high school. In the 1970s, she founded and owned Copeland Casuals, the go to clothing store for the post hippy generation and those looking for “alternative” clothing. She later was proprietor of the Ham House Restaurant in Tupelo.  After piecing together an “owl” costume which she wore and entertained at special occasions, she got the idea that Tupelo needed its own costume store.  In 1988, she founded Costume World, now a legendary Tupelo fixture.  Her customer base was loyal and she worked tirelessly to meet every request for costumes for her many friends. She loved the country life and fishing. In her latter years, she developed a passion to help the homeless and provided countless numbers of meals to homeless people all around the Tupelo area. She was tough and independent-minded, a tireless entrepreneur, and often contrary but always in the arena of sharing a lifetime of good will and humor with family and friends.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 1 PM Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021 from the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with her close friend, Steve Holland, officiating.  Burial will be private. Friends may visit with the family from Noon-service time on Sunday only at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to serve their friends.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Timmy Joe “Tim” Copeland (Misty) of Old Union, Dewitt Tres Shelby of Tupelo, Sherri Copeland Curry of Shannon and Julianna Turner of Pontocola; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Brenda Kyle of Old Union and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Viva Kyle; her brother, Jerry Kyle; and a son, Kipper Kyle Copeland in l989.

Memorials may be made to the homeless ministry of All Saints Episcopal Church, 608 West Jefferson St., Tupelo, MS 38804. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at 1 PM Sunday at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming and will be permanently archived thereafter.