Shelby "Jeanie" (Bolling) Astin

After 81 years of loving life and others on this Earth, Shelby Jean Bolling Astin of 385 East Mountain Avenue in South Williamsport, PA has found eternal rest in the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She joined the most grand, Heavenly reunion ever on December 26, 2020.

Born as a second life baby on September 6, 1939 in Danville, VA, Jeanie’s father: Raleigh Shelton Bolling; mother: Hattie Virginia – aka Tookie – Fox Bolling; sister: Elna Pendleton; sister: Mrytle Clapp; and twin brothers, Edwin – aka Ebb – and Ernest Bolling all accepted their grand reunion invitations many years prior.

Still here remembering and honoring her are her husband: Claude Swanson – aka Punk – Astin Jr of South Williamsport, PA; daughter: Deborah Jean Astin Lavalla with husband Victor of Hollidaysburg, PA; son: Claude Swanson – aka Sam – Astin III with wife Dawn of Allenwood, PA; son: Bernard Harvey – aka Bernie – Astin with wife Summer of Lewisburg, PA; and son: Raleigh Bolling – aka Mr. 305 -- Astin and wife Carissa of Barbours, PA.

Her wonderful grandchildren include: Samson Astin and wife Melissa of Williamsport, PA; Brittany Fischer and husband Jason of Williamsport, PA; Diana Jordan and husband Shane of Turbotville, PA; Chelsea Sweeney and husband Robert of Allentown, PA; and Brianna, Mahkenna and Ryleigh Miller of Lewisburg, PA. Her adorable great-grandchildren are: Jaron, Meredith, Ava, Channing, Ella, Malin, Serenity, Brinley, Charlotte and Miah.

All these generations along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and more will carry fond memories of her in their hearts forever. There are numerous family and friends near and far who will await to one day join that eternal reunion and see her once again.

Growing up on a farm, Jeanie was always an animal lover, and her current pets include a large and in charge black and white fluffy Manx cat named Mr. Dink and a rambunctious, spoiled rotten Cock-a-poo named Payday. Both will miss her greatly, but will be well loved and cared for by family.

Jeanie immersed herself in her amazing South Williamsport community. Moving to the location in 1988, her well-tended yard and beautiful flowers were noticeable examples of her love of gardening, her never-ending work ethics, and her creative skills in design. Likewise, neighbors quickly became aware of her tremendous cooking talents as she shared many meals and delicious treats with others. In the later years, those within earshot were serenaded by her whistling as she rocked on the side porch enjoying warm sunshine and cool breezes and the friendliness of those passing by. She shared everything with everyone.

As a former employee at Dan River Mills in her earlier years, and as a young girl from Schoolfield and Mt. Cross Road, Jeanie never lost her Southern charm nor her amazing gift for hospitality that originated and shone throughout her many years there. She married her sweetheart, affectionately known as Punk, on February 14, 1959, and they became forever Valentines celebrating 61 anniversary years in 2020.  

Moving north in 1978, first to MD and then to Williamsport, PA in 1980, the couple entered the ministry of the American Rescue Workers. They ministered to many in need during their long stretch of service. Jeanie was known for her generous spirit, warm smile, and genuine compassion to everyone she met regardless of who they were or where they came from. More than once, she gave the coat off her back to someone less fortunate.

A member of the American Rescue Workers Community Church, she’s been blessed to enjoy her son’s Sam’s messages over the years, and online in more recent times. With a beautiful alto voice, she enjoyed singing along with all the songs from the worship team, and has even whistled a few of them at church.

Jeanie’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis came 7 years ago, and over the years there have been many who have assisted the family in caregiving to ensure that her desire to remain at home could be kept.

The family would like to thank all the neighbors who reside near her in Southside who have reached out in some way at some time to help. There have been so many acts of kindness over the years; we could never name them all. But God knows, so we ask that He bless all especially.

Some of those neighbors who have helped in special ways are Kim Reed from Twiggy’s, the Mike Charles family, Lenny and Irme Howell, Charles and Rose Lundy, and Mark and Sarah Killian. Also, a hearty thanks goes out to Jenna Girio and her friend Jeff for their support and assistance and for keeping everyone highly entertained through some very difficult times. We continue to believe that laughter is the best medicine, and Jenna sees to it that our family gets frequent doses. The family appreciates the assistance the South Williamsport Fire Department provided with Jeanie’s bed transfer. Huge thanks goes out to Mary Nolan and Tammy Stiner for their ongoing friendship and companionship and for the many duties they performed.

The family has great admiration for Dr. Redka and his team at Family Practice who have provided exceptional care for Jeanie for nearly 40 years. Immediate special gratitude is given to Jessica Laubaugh who provided important information and made essential phone calls to assist the family greatly. Many thanks to the UPMC Hospice Program and its many caring workers who have eased the transition as Jeanie travels to her next destination in the manner she desired. Thank you all.

The family will host a Life Celebration for Jeanie at a more suitable time in the future – we love a good party! Memorial donations may be made to the American Rescue Workers, 643 Elmira Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, or to an Alzheimer’s Association.

Jeanie always loved the writing “To Remember Me” by Robert N. Test. A portion of it says, “If you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.”

Arrangements are being handled by the Maneval Allen Redmond Funeral Home, 500 West 4th St., Williamsport.

Online Condolences can made at www.jamesmaneval.com

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