By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

It won’t be hard for judges at the Miss Alabama Nursing Home pageant in August to remember where Marian Shelby is from when she takes the stage.

“I am so proud and honored,” Shelby, 85, said as she was crowned Miss Shelby Ridge and Rehab Select during the facility’s pageant on May 8. “I’ll try to do my best to bring you honors.”

Shelby was one of six contestants who competed in the Miss Shelby Ridge pageant, which packed the facility’s cafeteria and event room. Bessie Smitherman was named first runner-up, Sarah Carter was second runner-up, Christy Ray was third runner-up, Mary Robbins was fourth runner-up and Agnes Chambers was fifth runner-up.

Shelby Ridge residents decked the room out in a Mardi Gras-inspired masquerade ball theme as the six women sought to represent the nursing home in the state pageant, which will be held this summer at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, served as the emcee, and asked the contestants questions about their lives and about their time at Shelby Ridge. Maurice Mercer, Janna Jones and Kristie Garrett served as judges in the pageant.

While responding to the question “What is your favorite activity?” Shelby said she enjoys the arts and crafts offered at Shelby Ridge, and said Mia is her favorite activity instructor.

Carter also praised Shelby Ridge while answering her question.

“It is a wonderful place. It’s clean, we have wonderful food, the staff is nice to us. What else can you ask for?” Carter said.

Chambers said she would have no qualms about recommending Shelby Ridge to anyone.

“If you have to go somewhere, this is the place to go,” Chambers said, garnering laughter from the crowd.

Robbins said her sons bring her the greatest pleasure in life, and always ask if there’s anything she needs when they visit her, and Ray said laughter is the key to a long and happy life.

Smitherman said the birth of her first child was the most exciting experience in her life, and said she is “blessed in so many ways.”