John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr.

HAIRSTON.org ID#1846, b. 10 June 1923, d. 19 November 2006
Father*John Baker Shelby b. 11 May 1890, d. 3 Sep 1949
Mother*Lillie Ruth McMillen b. 2 Oct 1898, d. 19 Jul 1975
Birth*John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr. was born on 10 June 1923. 
He was the son of John Baker Shelby and Lillie Ruth McMillen. 
Census 1930John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr. appeared on the 1930 census of John Baker Shelby on 16 April 1930 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee; John B. Shelby 39, wife Lilly R. 31, step-daughter Mildred W. 10, son John B. Shelby 6, daughter Mary R. Shelby 2.1 
Census 1940John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr. appeared on the 1940 census of John Baker Shelby on 8 April 1940 in Ward 21, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee; John Baker Shelby 49, wife Lilliy Ruth 41, stepdaughter Mildred L. 20, son John B. Jr. 16 and daughter Mary Ruth 12..2 
Marriage*John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr. married Cynthia Jane Thorne on 12 May 1946.3 
Death*John Baker "Sonny Boy" Shelby Jr. died on 19 November 2006 in Shelby, Tennessee, at age 83. 
Burial*He was buried in Section Turley, Plot 81, Grave 15, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee.4

 

Family

Cynthia Jane Thorne b. 22 Nov 1924, d. 26 Jan 2009

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S1930] 1930 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  2. [S1940] 1940 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  3. [S48] Photo of Grave Marker - only photos of grave markers that are contemporary to the deceased individuals death are acceptable for genealogical proof. Find-a-Grave, personal photos and other sources.
  4. [S256] Interment Records, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.
Last Edited22 Jun 2026