Shelly was born, raised, and still resides in Lewes, Delaware. She graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College in 1987 with an Associate’s Degree in Legal Assistant Technology. After college, she joined the law firm of Cordrey and Clark, P. A., as a legal assistant. In 1991 she began a 30-year career in Information Technology with Cape Henlopen School District, retiring in 2021. She now works part-time for Harold W. T. Purnell, II, as a legal assistant. When she is not working, Shelly enjoys camping and spending time with her rescue pets, Stanley and Luther.

‍