Rev. Lawrence E. Shells

YOUNGSTOWN – Rev. Lawrence E. Shells, pastor emeritus of Christian Bible Baptist Church, founded under his leadership 27 years ago, went home to glory while at St. Elizabeth Medical Center on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Rev. Shells was born Dec. 19, 1931 in Youngstown to Harvey and Mary Shells. He moved to Alliance, Ohio where he became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
While at Tabernacle, he served as superintendent of the Sunday School at the age of 12.
As a young adult, he moved back to Youngstown with his family and in 1959 became a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as president of the Male Chorus, an ordained deacon and later as a minister by Rev. Lonnis A. Simon. Shortly after being called to the ministry, New Bethel Baptist Church sent him to Central Bible College in Cleveland, where he graduated with a degree in theology.
In 1967, he was called to pastor Shiloh Baptist Church in Campbell, where under his leadership a new edifice was built. He remained there until 1977, subsequently he founded Christian Bible Baptist Church where he served as pastor until his illness in 2003.
Rev. Shells served as president of the D & E Counseling Center’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 1997. He was a juvenile probation officer for 14 years. He served on numerous boards, including the Camp Fire Girls Council, Protestant Family Services, Parkview Counseling Center and the Mahoning County Caseworker Association. He was a member of the NAACP, Youngstown Area Urban League and served as Precinct Committeeman for the 5th ward.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Artesia Hawkins Shells, whom he married Sept. 27, 1953; four daughters, Sharon E. Davis of Rochester, N.Y., Atty. Lori (George) Conne of Youngstown and Crystal D. Shells and Stacey L. (Kenneth) Cheirs, both of Boardman; a sister, Phyllis Phillips of Alliance; a brother, Atty. Vaughn B. (Jackie) Davis of Westchester; a stepfather, James B. Davis of Alliance; and three grandchildren.
His mother and father; and a brother, Duane Davis, all preceded him in death.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home and from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at the Christian Bible Baptist Church, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m.