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In Memory Of
Pauline Shanklin
1950 2026

Pauline Shanklin

October 4, 1950 — January 25, 2026

Louisville

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Pauline Dianna Elzy Shanklin was born in Green County, Kentucky on October 4, 1950. She was the sixth child of 11 born to James Tannner Smith, Sr. and Blanch Josephine White Smith.

At an early age she beat to the rhythm of her own drum. She attended Durham Elementary, and later graduated from Taylor County High School, both of Campbellsville, Kentucky. While attending Taylor County High at the age of 16, Pauline enrolled in an advanced program at Maine University for nursing assistant. After graduating from Maine University, in approximately 1966, she was inspired to follow her dreams of becoming a business owner.

After completing her studies in Main, Pauline relocated to Louisville where she met her first husband, Lenert Willard Elzy, Sr. They raised two children, Denise and Lenert.

Pauline graduated from Campbellsville Beauty School in the early 1980s. Then she became a successful cosmetologist and owner of Magany Image. She did all of this while raising three children.

Pauline then relocated to Louisville, Kentucky where she worked at Goodwill Industries and provided private care to individuals.

Pauline met and married Freddrick Shanklin and added three more children to their union. These children are Chiquita, LaMontez and NaPaula.

Pauline was raised in a Christian home. During an Adventist revival, Pauline re-confessed her love for Christ and joined Louisville First Seventh-day Adventist Church in September 2014.

Pauline was preceded in death by her mother and father, siblings Daniel, Bobby, Jessie Margaret Amanor, James, Jr. and Lenert Elzy, Sr.

She is survived by her children Denise Duncan (Roderick), Lenert Elzy, Jr. (LaMeka), Chiquita, LaMontez and NaPaula Shanklin. She is also, survived by her siblings Davine Wilson (Melvin), Stella Nuckols, Caroline Ali, William Smith (Amanda), and Mary Smith.Additionally, she leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Lenert Elzy, III (Lakin), MaKayla (Elijah), Marcell, Stephen, Lenertsha (Carlos), Saniyah, Shiann, Aiden, Alexis Austin (Taylor), ShaQua and Davonte Armstrong, and Brianna, Jameka and Ranicka Howard. Pauline is also survived by her 17 great-grandchildren, Wintson, Elliott, Tianna, Ellyanna, Xavier, Nazir, Khari, Calayah, Messiah, Maykiyah, Kalani, Naomi, Taylor Jr, Kinglsin, Kasey, Karion and Khari.A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful sets of friends also morn Pauline’s passing.

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful sets of friends also morn Pauline’s passing.

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