Shelby Brooke Leopold, 29, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026. She was born in Valdosta, Georgia May 1, 1997 to John Brooks Akins and Jennifer Leopold Smith. 

Shelby graduated from Luella High School in 2015. A dedicated student, Shelby was an honor graduate and enjoyed playing volleyball throughout her high school career. She attended the University of Alabama before transferring to Georgia Southern University, where she earned her degree in Interior Design and was a proud Sister of the Phi Mu Sorority. 

After graduating, Shelby returned to Valdosta and worked alongside her family at Akins Petroleum Company. She had a passion for adventure and exploring the world with family and friends. Her favorite destinations included Amelia Island, Brazil, Morocco, Canada, and Scotland where she enjoyed making lasting memories. Shelby especially enjoyed hunting with her dad, traveling the States with her mom, and spending time with her nieces, Jayne and Charlotte. Above all, her greatest joy was her beloved daughter, AK. 

Shelby is survived by her daughter, Amelia Kayte "AK" Leopold of Valdosta, her father and stepmother, Brooks and Michelle Akins of Valdosta, her mother and stepfather, Jennifer and Russell Smith of Locust Grove, her brothers, John Brooks (Morgan) Akins of Valdosta, Austin (Maylee) Akins of Valdosta, her sister, Brittany (Ian) Munroe of Tacoma, Washington, her grandparents, Pam Akins, Buzz Akins, Vivian Melton, and Susan Kearn, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, extended family members, and friends. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday evening at Carson McLane Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Park Avenue Church with a private burial to follow. 
In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations made to the R. Wayne "Bubba" Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund (www.bascholarship.org). Condolences to the family may be shared on Shelby's online memorial page at www.mclanecares.com. 
Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Leopold/Akins family.