Lt. Col. Shelley Gonzales

[ironputts]

October 5, 2023

Lt. Col. Shelley Gonzales
Wing Headquarters
North Carolina Wing

Shelley Gonzales, 62, of Whitsett, NC, arrived on August 24, 1961, and departed this world on September 18, 2023.
Shelley's vibrant spirit and witty charm left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate enough to cross her path. With her career as part of the Emergency Management Team for the State of NC, Shelley was a force to be reckoned with. Passionate and dedicated to her job, she found peace and purpose in helping others. Her commitment to the Civil Air Patrol and the State of NC was truly unmatched.
Apart from her incredible work ethic, Shelly had a knack for countless hobbies. Obsessed with crocheting, she could whip up rugs, coasters, and pillowcases like nobody's business. And don't get me started on her TV preferences! Shelley ALWAYS had the Weather Channel or Judge Judy on, ensuring she never missed a beat. Speaking of collections, she treasured her assortment of Yeti Mugs and various other goodies. You name it, she kept it – not a birthday card or cherished memento was ever tossed aside.
Shelley's true passion lies in planning events for the Civil Air Patrol and the countless weddings she took part in. She took joy in turning dreams into reality and creating memorable experiences for all involved. And while she loved cows (both for their cuteness and tastiness), her favorite pastime was flying and the world of airplanes. It was a lifelong love affair. Shelley enjoyed catching Atlanta Braves baseball games with her father whenever she could. To top it all off, Shelley had an eclectic taste in music, ranging from ABBA to The Clay City Rollers, the Top Gun Soundtrack, and even classical pieces with a lively twist.
As a member of the Civil Air Patrol and a tireless advocate for finding missing people, Shelley provided respite to countless family members and brought them comfort in their times of need. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her dedication to serving others was truly remarkable.
Shelley is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Mullis, as well as her beloved grandparents, Eugene and Blanche Persbacker. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters Joy Chalmers and Katy Chalmers, her father Robert Gonzales, her brother AJ Gonzales, and her stepmother Claudia Gonzales. Additionally, she will be dearly missed by her partner TC Freeman, TC's children Jessica Freeman, Hope Freeman Rierson, and Jarrett Rierson, as well as her grand-dogger Daisy.

CAP INFO:

Shelley Gonzales Obituary Death –  The NCWG Team, I must break the news to you that Lt. Colonel Shelley Gonzales has passed away, and I do it with a heavy heart. Following an unexpected illness and subsequent diagnosis, she passed away this morning while surrounded by her loved ones. Shelley has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for quite some time, and she has most recently been serving as our CAP section leader with Emergency Management.

Many of us have known Shelley for a very long time. She has been a part of our organization at every level and has assisted us in the planning and execution of more events than we can count. She was a devoted leader who put others before herself and she will be sorely missed. It is likely that many of you, including myself, will be taken aback by this information, and it will take some time before we are able to adjust to life at CAP without Shelley. She was a remarkable individual who had a deep love for the Civil Air Patrol in general, but especially for our cadets.

She delighted in being in the company of our upcoming leaders and was resolute in her intention to do everything in her power to ensure that they were supported in every situation. As we move forward through the process of grieving for our friend, I would like to encourage you to talk to one another about happy memories you have of Shelley. This will help us get through the stages of grief more quickly.

This week, could everyone please take a moment to check in with each other and be a good wingman? This unfortunate occurrence serves as a reminder to all of us how precious the times we have spent together are, and that we should make the most of every opportunity we have to contribute to this organization with individuals who are as enthusiastic as Shelley. At this moment, specifics on the service and the arrangement are not accessible. When we have more information, we will share the specifics with you. Please do not hesitate to contact out to any member of the command team, the wing chaplain, or a wingman if you have any questions or concerns over this loss or would like to discuss it with someone. With due respect, Col. Dennis Dennis A man named Dennis R. Bissell Commander of the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, which is part of the United States Air Force Auxiliary.