Shelley Elaine Samuels

Shelley Elaine Samuels February 22, 1959 – October 26, 2026

Shelley Elaine Samuels, 67, of Royal Oak, MI, passed away on October 26, 2026.

Shelley was born in Detroit on February 22, 1959, to John Samuels Sr. and Carolyn Samuels. As a child Shelley attended Pattengill Elementary, Webber Middle School and Cass Technical High School, graduating with the class of 1977. As a young adult she moved to California, beginning a career with Amtrak in February 1990.

It was fitting work for someone who loved to be in motion. Shelley explored the country, especially by train, and was most at peace with a book in hand headed to her next destination. Wherever she landed, she always had friends or family nearby.

Friends remember her as a “cool gal” who never gave up, a creative spirit with a sensitive soul, and a friend to the end. Music was her heartbeat, a passion developed during childhood. She loved electronic and house music and never passed up a good festival. Every year she volunteered at the Movement Electronic Music Festival on the Detroit Riverfront, celebrating the sound her hometown gave the world. She was a loyal supporter of women’s basketball and the WNBA and a forever fan of Janet Jackson.

Shelley was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Samuels, and her brother, John Samuels Jr. She is survived by her father, John Samuels Sr.; her niece, Cherish Samuels, and nephew, John Samuels III; her great-nieces and great-nephew, Logan, Rocket, and Lennox; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.