SEYMOUR
Thelma H. Shelton was born on May 28, 1932, in Sumter, South Carolina, to her father, Edward and mother Marie Wilson who both preceded her in death. She married her college sweetheart Clarence Irvin Shelton Sr. on January 5, 1951, in Greene, Ohio. They met while attending Wilberforce University and went on to have five children during their marriage. She departed this life on December 1, 2023, in Seymour, Indiana, at the age of 91 surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a beautiful and impactful legacy. Thelma “Granny” Shelton was a pillar of the community. As she was involved in many organizations. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. She was a member of the board of Habitat for Humanity. Not only was community involvement important to her but her faith in God was always involved in her life and everyone knew it. Throughout her life she loved to travel as well as do missionary work both locally and abroad. She was a member of Bethel Community Church and participated in many events. Thelma did not like to sit still! She worked as the Head Cook at Head start for 20 years and decided to retire. However, it was no surprise when her retirement was short lived. With her love for shopping and collecting hats, she began working at the Goodwill store, where so many would stop to see her. To know Thelma was to love her. She never met a stranger and always had a smile on her face. Her infectious laugh could be heard and felt by all who came in contact with her. She definitely gave it to you straight, did what she wanted but would also cheer you up on a bad day. Besides her love for her family she always loved flowers and gardening, which she passed down to several members of her family. Her home was always open to anyone who stopped by, and you could be sure she would fix you something to eat. You could always depend on her if you ever needed anything. One of her deepest loves was her grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader and supported all of their events. When her family gathered together, she would not hesitate to pull out her camera to capture every moment. She was not only preceded in death by parents but also her twin sister Caroline Sanders as well as her Aunts and Uncles. She leaves behind her five children Yvonne Shelton, Kay Shelton, Irvin (Terry) Shelton, Stewart (Nicy) Shelton and Coleen Shelton. Her sister-in-law Lillie Shelton. Thelma had nine grandchildren: Aaron Shelton, Xaviera Shelton, C.I. Shelton, Rickey Shelton, Jasmine Shelton, Cyle (Destiny) Shelton, Andrea Welton, Kayla Shelton, and Andre Welton. Her seven great Grandchildren: Brittany Shelton, Jacob Mills, AJ Childs, Lilli Shelton, Jada Douglas, Juniper Shelton, Isabella Shelton and two Great-great grandchildren Kyrie Shelton and Alaya Shelton. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten and her legacy will live on through all the lives she touched.
Friends may visit with Thelma’s family from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Bethel Community Church, 350 Calvin Blvd., Seymour, IN 47274 with Rev. Dr. Sondra Gentry officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Burkholder Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes, 419 N. Chestnut Street, Seymour, IN. Memorials may be made to the Lynn Street Colored School or Bethel Community Church at Burkholder Chapel. Please share memories and condolences at www.burkholderfuneralchapel.com.