Shelby County Obituary Records
Shelby County obituary records are available through the Shelby County Reporter newspaper, the Shelby County Museum and Archives, and local funeral homes. The Probate Court in Columbiana has an online records search system and maintains records dating back to 1824. The museum holds Bolton Funeral Home records from 1957-1994 and Alabama death certificate indexes from 1908-1959. This is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, and obituary resources are well-organized. Legacy.com has over 125 obituary indexes for Shelby County through NewspaperObituaries.net.
Shelby County Quick Facts
Shelby County Probate Court
The Shelby County Probate Court is led by Probate Judge Allison S. Boyd. The court maintains an excellent online records search system that allows you to find estate records from home. This is one of the better online systems in Alabama.
When you cannot find an obituary, probate records often list family members and heirs. These files can fill in gaps when newspaper obituaries were not published or cannot be found.
| Address | 112 N. Main Street, Room A401, Columbiana, AL 35051 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 670-5220 |
| General/Payment/Records | (205) 670-5210 |
| Probate Judge | Allison S. Boyd |
| Website | shelbyal.com |
| Records Search | Online Records Search |
| Case Access | E-Services Portal |
The Probate Judge has maintained marriage, probate, and land records from 1824. These are among the older continuous records in Alabama and provide a wealth of genealogical information.
Shelby County Newspapers
The Shelby County Reporter is the main local newspaper serving the county. Located in Columbiana, it publishes obituaries for residents throughout Shelby County.
| Newspaper | Shelby County Reporter |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbiana, AL 35051 |
| Phone | (205) 669-3131 |
| Website | shelbycountyreporter.com |
Because part of Shelby County is in the Birmingham metro area, obituaries may also appear in The Birmingham News. Check both papers for complete coverage.
Shelby County Museum and Archives
The Shelby County Museum and Archives is housed in the Old Shelby County Courthouse, built in 1854. This is an exceptional resource for obituary research.
The archives hold these obituary-related resources:
- Bolton Funeral Home index and records (1957-1994)
- Probate Estate Files through 1915
- Probate Minute Books and Will Books
- Marriage Records through 1982
- Divorce Case Files through 1950
- Shelby County Newspapers dating back to 1866 (microfilm/CD)
- 1908-1959 Alabama Death Certificate Index
- 1950-1979 Alabama Obituary Clippings
The death certificate index and obituary clippings collection make this one of the best county archives for obituary research in Alabama.
Shelby County Historical Society
The Shelby County Historical Society preserves local history and maintains research resources.
| Address | 1854 Old Courthouse, PO Box 457, Columbiana, AL 35051 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 669-3912 |
| schs1854@bellsouth.net |
Historical society members have researched local families for years. They may have information not found elsewhere or can point you to specific resources for your research.
Shelby County Funeral Homes
Several funeral homes serve Shelby County residents. The county spans from rural areas around Columbiana to suburban communities near Birmingham.
Major funeral homes include:
- Poole Funeral Chapels, Inc. - serves Shelby County area
- Bolton Funeral Home (historical records at Museum & Archives)
Because Hoover and other cities span both Shelby and Jefferson counties, funeral homes in the Birmingham area may have handled services for Shelby County residents. Check both counties when searching.
How to Search Shelby County Obituaries
Start with the Shelby County Probate records search for estate-related documents. This online system is one of the better ones in Alabama and can save you a trip to the courthouse.
For recent obituaries, check Legacy.com and the Shelby County Reporter website. Filter searches by Shelby County or specific cities like Columbiana, Pelham, or Alabaster.
NewspaperObituaries.net has over 125 obituary indexes for Shelby County. This is an unusually large collection compared to other Alabama counties.
The museum and archives collection is worth a visit or phone call. Their holdings include:
- Bolton Funeral Home records (1957-1994)
- Death Certificate Index (1908-1959)
- Obituary Clippings (1950-1979)
- Newspapers dating to 1866
FamilySearch has Alabama Probate Records that include Shelby County materials. These are free to search and download.
Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21, death certificates are restricted for 25 years. After that period, anyone can request copies from the Alabama Department of Public Health for $15.
Cities in Shelby County
Shelby County contains several cities in the Birmingham metro area. Some span county lines.
Note: Hoover spans both Shelby County and Jefferson County. Check resources in both counties for Hoover obituaries.
Nearby Counties
Shelby County borders several other Alabama counties. Obituaries may have appeared in newspapers from neighboring areas.
Start Your Search
Use the search tool below to find obituary records in Shelby County, Alabama.