Susan Shelton

Plano – Susan Jean Norton Shelton, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend passed away in Plano, Texas on March 11, 2015, surrounded by her family and friends. Susie was born in McAllen, Texas on March 5, 1953. She grew up in San Juan, Texas where she was blessed by parents who provided unconditional love and a strong spiritual foundation to their children. Susie attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, McAllen, Texas where she was confirmed on March 19, 1967. Upon graduation from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo high school in 1971, Susie attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 1978. While at UT, Susie met her husband, Jim Shelton, and developed numerous life-long friendships. Upon graduation Susie moved to Dallas and taught as a speech pathologist in the Garland School District where she was recognized as one of the teachers of the year for her outstanding performance.

Susie and Jim initially developed a strong personal friendship that was the foundation for their future relationship as husband and wife. They were married for thirty-six wonderful years and were blessed by the birth of their two daughters, Laurie and Lindsay. Susie was a devoted mother and wife. Upon starting her family, Susie retired as a speech pathologist but maintained her certification throughout her life. Susie devoted tireless energy to every aspect of her two daughters’ lives and her greatest joy came when she saw them achieve their goals. Laurie and Lindsay are a true reflection of the love, encouragement and nurturing environment their mother provided for them.

Susie participated in numerous organizations in the Plano area including the Junior League of Plano and National Charity League. She was a devoted member of the Legacy Church women’s bible study group in Plano, Texas and King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas. She also devoted her time to delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s program in the Dallas area. Susie’s hope for herself and family was for each to have a servant’s heart.

Susie will be remembered for her kind and sweet personality and devoted commitment to not only her family but also to her many friends. She truly loved and treasured the many friendships she had and the time she was able to spend with each of her friends. Many of these friendships extended for well over 40 years. When thinking of Susie, it was hard not to have a smile on your face.

In addition to her family and friends, Susie loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She truly was a woman of great faith and knew she was redeemed through the grace of a loving God. Her life reflected that knowledge, and she exhibited it every day of her life. Although her life was cut short, her life was well lived and filled with love, compassion for others, the desire to serve, and a dedication to her faith.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Everett and Viola Sievers Norton. She is survived by her husband James Dowlen Shelton; her two daughters Lauren Elise Shelton Davenport and Lindsay Christine Shelton; her son-in-law Scott Davenport; her son-in-law to be Drew Neal; her sister and brother and their spouses: Trudy Kathryn (Bruce) Wallace and Gary Alan (Jill) Norton; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Nancy (Walt) Bratic and Sally (Ted) Gehrig; her nieces and nephews: Katy Wallace, Betsy (Eric) Nielsen, Jim Wallace, Catherine Bratic (Mike Benza), Julia Bratic, Lexy Norton, Veronica Norton, John Gehrig and Jim Gehrig.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16, at 11:30 am at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 6411 Lyndon Johnson Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240. A visitation will be held from 4 - 6 pm on Sunday, March 15, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225. The family requests that memorial donations be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas, Texas. Please visit www.sparkman-hillcrest.com to leave remembrances including photos.