Eliza Jane Shelton

1922-2012

Eliza Jane Shelton, the sunshine of our life, passed away in her hometown, Pensacola, on June 26, 2012.

Eliza was the born April 6, 1922 in the Myrtle Grove area of Pensacola. She was the third child of Aaron and Mary Jane Ard. Eliza graduated from Myrtle Grove Elementary School in 1936. She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1941.

As a small child, Eliza attended Union Hill Baptist Church. Eliza’s parents and older brother became charter members of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. Eliza attended Myrtle Grove Baptist from its first service in a tent in 1930.

She met the love of her life, Paul Shelton, at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church on a Sunday in March 1941. The young sailor stationed at Corry Field followed up on a rumor that pretty girls could be found at the church. An unusual set of circumstances allowed Paul and Eliza to skip prayer meeting on November 5, 1941, drive to Milton in a borrowed car with Vonda Perkins and Charles Stephens, interrupt Judge Johnson’s fishing, and elope in the Milton Courthouse. Eliza and Vonda were afraid to tell their parents, so they returned home. Later, rumors of the elopement reached the ears of the parents and the Navy. From this shaky beginning grew two strong and binding unions that last until Paul passed away in 1997.

Eliza and Paul lived with the Ards during the early war years of World War II. Eliza worked as a bookkeeper at the Naval Air Station. Paul Thurman Shelton, Jr. was born on June 1943 at the Pensacola Naval Hospital. Eliza was a young mother and bookkeeper while Paul served in the South Pacific.

Eliza excelled as a Navy wife. She cheerfully followed Paul from station to station. Their daughter, Linda Gale Shelton, was born in August Quonset Point Rhode Island.

Paul’s active Navy career ended in 1960. Eliza became a student wife supporting her family with various jobs while Paul attended Pensacola Jr. College and the University of Florida on the GI Bill.

Paul and Eliza return to Pensacola in 1964. Paul taught math at Escambia High School. Eliza worked for Rita’s dress shop on Palafox Street. She spent summers traveling with Paul. They traveled extensively in their motor home.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Eliza became a loving and doting grandmother of six. Paul passed away in June 1997. Eliza became a great grand mother in July 1997. Eliza has five great grandsons. Her focus has always been her family, her friends, and her church. For many years, she served as the reliable chauffer for Sunday school friends who could no longer drive.

Eliza was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Shelton; sister, Vera Stephens; brother, Jesse Ard, and parents, Aaron and Mary Jane Ard.

Survivors include her son, Paul Shelton, Jr.; daughter, Linda Bauer; daughter-in-law, Clarette Shelton; grandchildren, Steven Bauer, Kevin, Bauer, Kim Bauer, Adrienne Shelton, Chris Shelton, Elizabeth Shelton; great grandchildren, Daniel, Paul, Michael, Joshua Bauer, and Noah Laster; brother, Marion Ard, and brother-in-law, J.W. Stevens.

Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, Florida 32506 will be in charge of arrangements.

A visitation will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday, July 1 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Funeral Service will be at noon on Monday, July 2, at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5920 Lillian Highway, Pensacola, FL 32506 or the Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence, 10075 Hillview Road, Pensacola, FL 32514.