Shelby McLain Goulas passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at her home in Franklin surrounded by her family, just shy of her 89th birthday.
Shelby was born in McNairy County, Tennessee on July 28, 1936 and was one of eight children born to the union of Doylie and Zelma McLain. She moved to Louisiana, following in her two sister’s footsteps, Bonnie and Annie. Shortly after Shelby met the love of her life and future husband, Robert “Bobby” Goulas. They married in 1957 and were blessed with five children. She was a devoted homemaker, a devout Catholic, member of the Catholic Daughters Court Assumption, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She was the type of woman who deeply loved all, never met a stranger, and always put others before herself. Some of her favorite pastimes included growing flowers and plants of all kinds and taking tender care of her many animals, whether they were rescued, strays, or her own, especially her dog Shiloh. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all.
Survivors include two sons, Jeff Goulas and his wife Donna and Scott Goulas and his wife Lisa; two daughters, Joni Goulas Markerson and Kelly Goulas Jones and her husband Mike; 12 grandchildren, Christina Perron, Matthew (Kate) Goulas, Andrew Goulas (Amber Berzas), Micah (Chelsey) Goulas, Katie (Sam) Howard, Lauren Jones, Megan Jones, Ryan Jones, Hailey Goulas, Cailey Goulas (Matt Laurent), Ashley Goulas, and Nick (Lexie) Hudson; nine great grandchildren, Eli and Miller Goulas, Harper Goulas, Charlotte, Gideon, and Benjamin Howard, Nathan Jones, Anastasia Hudson and Nicholas Hudson Jr.; her siblings, Johnny (Betty) McLain, Robert (Dagmar) McLain, Susan Little, and Jimmy (Doris) McLain; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Joseph “Bobby” Goulas; one son, Bobby Goulas; one grandson, Jason Leonard; one great grandson, Jackson Goulas; her parents, Doylie McLain and Zelma Gray McLain; and her siblings, Bonnie Migues, Annie Boudreaux, and Emcee McLain.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin at 2:30 PM, with Father Joel Faulk officiating. Following the service she will be laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at 11:00 AM until time of services, with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 1:30 PM.
Serving as pallbearers will be her two sons, Jeff and Scott, and her grandsons, Matthew, Andrew, Micah, and Ryan.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Heart of Hospice, and especially her caregiver, Kathy Boykin, her friend and caregiver, Evie Landen Dickson, and her dear friends, Marian Pusateri and Prissy Alex.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.