Born Delma Lois Allen on October 25, 1937, in West Sandy, Texas, she was a bright and gifted student. She graduated from Huntsville High School in 1954 at just 16 years old, having skipped a grade. Though she had the opportunity to attend college, Delma chose instead to enter the workforce to help support her family—an early reflection of her selflessness and strength.
In 1955, she married Jack Sandell in Houston, Texas. Together they raised three children: Mark, Melissa, and Richard. After Jack’s passing in 1993, Delma found love again and married Jesse Shelly in 1996. With Jesse came a loving extended family, including his son Don, daughter-in-law Kathy, and granddaughter Alexis, whom Delma welcomed with open arms.
Delma led a life full of service, creativity, and love. She was an active church volunteer, a talented seamstress, a gifted pianist and organist, and a joyful singer. Alongside her sisters Kathy, Ruth, and Maxine, they formed a gospel group, The Allen Sisters, recording an album that celebrated their shared faith and harmony.
In midlife, Delma became a landlord and later joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she worked diligently from age 55 until her retirement at 65. Her talents extended to crafting, homemaking, and gardening.
Family was the center of Delma’s world. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Paula Sandell of New Waverly, Texas, and Richard and Carole Sandell of The Woodlands, Texas; her five grandsons, Zachary (Meg), Benjamin (Kelli), Christopher (Cristina), Matthew (Kristy), and Jonathan (Lauren); and her beloved great-grandchildren: Addy, Ty, Preslee, Maddie, Emersyn, Lucy, and Jack.
She is also survived by her sisters Maxine Sandell and Ruth Shelton; brother-in-law Robert Shelton; sisters-in-law Veral Hutchison, Lela Mae Evans, Una Lea Savell, and Bobbie Sandell; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Delma was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Sandell; her second husband, Jesse Shelly; her daughter, Melissa Anne Sandell; her parents, Mable Pauline and Earl Allen; her brother, Bobby Allen; her sister, Kathryn Hall; and brothers-in-law George Hall and Talmadge Sandell.
Delma will be remembered for her enduring faith, gentle strength, and the love she shared so freely with her family, friends, and community.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at
Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, TX 77304.
Funeral services will follow on Saturday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Metcalf Funeral Home.
She will be laid to rest at Farris Cemetery, 1828 FM 1791, Richards, TX 77873 at 1:00 PM.
The family welcomes flowers, plants, or donations to a charity of your choice
