Shala MaLynn Traylor, age 55 passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 18, 2023. She was born at the Boaz & Albertville Hospital on April 1, 1967, the daughter of J.Q. and Susan (Dick) Traylor.

Shala graduated from Boaz High School, Class of 1985. Following graduation, she attended New World Cosmetology School in Gadsden. Shala then moved to Birmingham, Alabama and worked as a hairdresser for a number of years. Later in life she returned to Boaz to care for her aging parents. Following their deaths, Shala went back to school to pursue her Master Cosmetology Instructor’s license at New Beginning College of Cosmetology. Most recently, Shala moved to St. Leonard, Maryland to be closer to her sister, Denise.

If you knew Shala, at one time or another she probably did your hair. She was a well-trained colorist, having her own hair from red to pink, to platinum. Shala was a character and had her own unique style. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Fortunately for us, Shala loved to make video’s and take pictures of her singing and acting out. Mostly, Shala loved animals from a young age. Her heart was huge and always filled with love for Wilburs, Bogey, and JoJo, and her fur nieces, Bella and Luna. After moving to Maryland – she spoke often of watching the wild life in her backyard and feeding the squirrels. She was so happy to be living near the Chesapeake Bay and often enjoyed walks on “her beach.”

Her sudden death has left a huge whole in our hearts.

Shala is predeceased by both her parents. She is survived by her older brother Derrick Traylor and his husband Terry Paulson of Crawfordville, FL, and her sister Denise Roden, and her husband Victor Long of Lusby, MD and many cousins and dear friends.

Shala will be interred in her family’s plot at Hillcrest Cemetery. A service of remembrance will be planned and held in Boaz at a later date. Those who wish to remember Shala may make a donation to your local Humane Society.