Shelley Mia Castillo was born on March 15, 1965, to Raymond and Cleora Lightbourne, III in Key West, Florida. She was the second child born to this union and was loved and adored by both of her parents. Her father would often sing Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” to her in her crib but he would improvise and say, “My Shelley Amour”. Shelley was a very energetic and joyful child. She enjoyed hanging out with her numerous cousins and going to school. She enjoyed hanging out on the weekends, going to Josepha’s, playing jack stones, jump board and roller skating with her cousins. Growing up she was always fiercely protective of others. She was a natural born fighter and would defend her siblings and cousins often. Shelley was a natural nurturer and often took care of her siblings as a second mother. She had an infectious laugh that would fill you with joy each time you heard it. Her distinctive “HA-HIEE” was shared at a many family functions.
Shelley was a known fashionista and at one time considered pursuing a career in modeling. She participated in numerous fashion shows and pageants within the Key West Community. She was also well known for her beautiful singing voice often displaying her talent in pageants and singing in the choir at church. She enjoyed listening to Whitney Houston, Mahalia Jackson, Deneice Williams and Natalie Cole. She was a graduate of Key West high school the class of 1984. After graduating she went to live with her uncle Cecil in Sacramento, CA to begin the next phase of her life, until love intervened. Shelley and Aaron’s love story began in 1981 when she asked him to take her on his motorcycle to break up with her then boyfriend at the time. He picked her up in front of The Pines Inn and when he dropped her off home he told his cousin Panchi, “Cheese Get the number!”. From that day forward she was his bunny and the rest is history! Their love story can be compared to the star-crossed lovers that Shakespeare wrote about. Their love was truly written in the stars and meant to be. Shelley and Aaron welcomed their first child Mia Antonia Castillo on August 7, 1986, and were married in their family home on February 14, 1987. After their marriage they welcomed two more additions to their beautiful family Michaela Almoveta Castillo and Aaron Jose Castillo Jr. Shelley was such a loving and caring mother, she doted on her daughters and spoiled her son. She was the epitome of what it meant to be the matriarch of her family. Both her and Aaron instilled in their children the importance of education, faith, service, and determination.
Shelley was employed by Sears and Roebuck from 1986 until 1995 when she decided to help her husband fulltime with the family business Key West Mortuary. Having previously been employed by Francisco Johnson at Key West Undertaking Company as an apprentice to her aunt Doris who was the cosmotologist at the time. Shelley was a natural at the funeral business; the perfect role for her was the Director of Family Services at Key West Mortuary. She enjoyed not just assisting families with making pre-arrangements for funerals and serving as a lady attendant on services where she would get to use her excellent skills in oration. She also was excellent at preparing loved ones for their final services often on hair and cosmetics. It was at this time that Shelley was in the prime of her life. Her children were young and growing, her and her husband were growing their family business and enjoying life.
Suddenly in the year 1999, she felt a lump in her breast and went to get it checked and found out that she had stage four breast cancer and was given six months to live. Both her and Aaron listened to advice from doctors but trusted in the lord. They had three young children and the rest of their lives ahead of them. They traveled to the Mercy Cancer center in Baltimore, MD where Shelley had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on both of her breasts. Her doctors were so amazed at her fighting spirit and the fact that although she had bad news she was still determined to live for her family. Shelley trusted in God and battled the disease and won! She was surrounded by God’s grace and mercy along with her supportive husband, family and this awesome community. She was so grateful for the outpouring of love and support she received from so many during that time in her life. So many different people came to not only help with her care but the care of her children and household and for that she was eternally grateful, and she was cancer free until the day she died and never forgot how far the lord had brought her.
After surviving breast cancer, Shelley encountered additional health issues, but her determination was always steadfast. She always pushed through and would put on her best and make the best of it. She would often say “Just because I am sick, that doesn’t mean I have to look sick”. Shelley loved the lord and was a member of Bethel AME Church from childhood until 2018. Both she and Aaron told their children who God was, taught them how to pray and encouraged their children to participate and attend both Bethel AME and the Basilica churches during their childhood and allowed them to make the decision on which faith they would choose.
She enjoyed singing in the choir and assisting with the churches Y.P.D program. In February of 2018 she decided to join the Basilica of Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea Church with her husband and children. Shelley enjoyed attending vigil mass with her family on Saturday evenings. As Shelley watched her children grow into adulthood, she longed to be a grandmother. She watched her peers slowly become grandmothers and she would often say “When is it going to be my turn” so she waited patiently and during this time found herself often loving and doting on many other children and named them her honorary grandchildren. On November 22, 2019 Melody Raven Castillo-Leconte was born. Melody has the same energetic and colorful personality that her grandmother had. She was the apple of Shelley’s eye, and they were a dynamic duo from birth. Melody loved both her Nannie and her Papa very much and enjoyed spending her time with them. The three of them were a trio and would often be seen around town shopping, going to church, and enjoying the KWHS Conchs games. Family meant the world to Shelley, and she meant the world to her family.
Shelley was a lady of elegance and style, she got her hair and nails done every two weeks, she wore the finest fashions and enjoyed entertaining in her beautiful home. Shelley’s home was the centerpiece of her family, many often could find themselves at her home enjoying a cold drink, a rest, a bite to eat, or just and encouraging word. She enjoyed shopping and baking and loved spoiling any little children that would enter her home with treats.
In July of 1998 Shelley joined The Order of the Eastern Stars under the leadership of Myrna E. Sawyer. Her dedication and love for the order prevailed. Later through the years she became the Worthy Matron of Myrna E. Sawyer Key of the Gulf Chapter No. 5 OES and enjoyed serving her community through this organization. The last few months of her life Shelley was on the campaign trail assisting her husband with running his campaign for the City of Key West District Six commission seat. She lived to see his victory on November 5th, 2024, and was right by his side celebrating with her family, friends and community.
