Nell Shelton Loper

Nell Shelton Loper, 86, a Copiah County native, and long time resident of Jackson, died Saturday, January 15, 2011, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home - Ridgeland. Graveside services will follow at her beloved Shelton Cemetery in Copiah County at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Mike Assink, pastor of Brandywine United Methodist Church will conduct the service. Nell was a member of Broadmeadow UMC for many years, and later Parkway Hills UMC.

Nell was born December 27, 1924, in Pattison, MS, the daughter of Orville Early and Bettie Mae Shelton. She was the youngest of ten children, and thanked her parents many times for having their tenth child! Following graduation from Central High School in 1942, she attended Hinds Junior College where she also enjoyed being a majorette. During the WWII years, Nell worked as a secretary, and in the Adjudication Division of the Veteran’s Administration.

In 1947, Nell married the love of her life, Leonard Lafayette “Bill” Loper, of Jackson. They were married 57 years, and had three children, Jim, John and Lissa. Nell stayed at home until the children were in high school. She then worked at Murrah High School, and later at Jackson Preparatory School for more than 20 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her work, co-workers and students.

Nell is preceded in death by her parents and husband; sisters Ella Knight, Bettie Reno, Doris O’Brien, Mary Hawkins, Rae Wimberly, Helen Bowie, and Jennie Green; and brothers John Earl and Simmons Shelton. She is survived by her children: son, Jim Loper and his wife Merrie of Birmingham, AL; son, John Loper and his wife Judy of Madison; daughter, Lissa and her husband Greg Sahler of Flora; grandchildren, John Shelton Loper of Birmingham, AL; Melanie Loper of White House, TN; Caleb Loper, currently serving in the U.S. Army at Harrogate, England; Steven, Lee and Andy Sahler of Madison, and four great-grandchildren: Austin, Madison, Landon and Kadan. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers are grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are nephews Louis Reno, Don Wimberly, Tom O’Brien, Norman Green, Shelton and Dick Bowie.

The family would like to thank Dr. Larry Collins, Dr. Massie Headley, Dr. Brad Castle, and the staff at Baptist Northtown Clinic for their many years of loving care for Nell. She loved you. Sincere thanks are also given to Dr. Todd Fulcher and the staff at Manhattan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jackson. The beautiful care given to Nell was unsurpassed, and greatly appreciated. Nell truly loved you, and knew she was loved at Manhattan.

Memorials may be made to the Shelton Cemetery Association, 11154 Highway 28W, Hazlehurst, MS 39083 or a favorite charity.

Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com