Nigel Ahmad Shelby was born on February 1, 2004, in Huntsville, Alabama.
He departed this life on April 18, 2019, at Huntsville Hospital. He was baptized at the age of 12 years old and was a member of Greater Fellowship Church in Sheffield, Alabama.
Nigel was a 9th grader at Huntsville High School. He loved theater and history. Nigel spent many years in band where he played the clarinet, trumpet, and drums. Nigel had big dreams of being an actor, singer, dancer, rapper, and all around entertainer, but most of all he wanted to be an activist for the LGBTQ+ community. Nigel loved to write, he loved gymnastics, and taking selfies. He was a fan of Beyonce and was very passionate about Ariana Grande.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Mrs. Rosetta Townsend and Irene Howard, and cousins, Kiion Toney and Giovanni Beckwith.
He leaves to cherish memories: his mother and father, Camika Shelby and Patrick Cruz, both of Huntsville, Alabama; one sister, Taylor Langford of Chino, California; two brothers, Jah’Karieus Tanner and Ti’Shin Cramblit of Huntsville, Alabama; grandmothers, Selethia Brown (Dwight) of Florence, Alabama, and Lois Hammonds of Chino, California; grandfathers, Arthur Smith and Ronnie Howard, both of Huntsville, Alabama; eight aunts, Chiquita Jones (Curtis) of New Albany, Indiana, L’Geshia Moore of Madison, Alabama, Talia Shelby, Shakodie Garth, Toreda Smith, and Shineka Howard all of Huntsville, Alabama, Tamika Moore of Meridanville, Alabama, and Pamela Cruz of Mareno, California; four uncles, Antrovis Shelby of Florence, Addonus Shelby, Ronnie Howard, Jr., and Josiah Pullen, all of Huntsville, Alabama; best friend, Keyashia Freeman; and a host of cousins, other family, and friends.