Hazel Shelton

SAN ANGELO Hazel Lee Etta Deitz Shelton has "gone the distance" in her earthly journey. She departed this world on Aug. 24, 2013, after living with Alzheimer's Disease for the past 10 years. Hazel began her circle of life on Jan. 31, 1933, in Pigeon, N.C., where she was born to J.W. and Margaret Evelyn Deitz, and was big sister to Loretta and Gary. She spent her youth in Durham, N.C. where she was a cheerleader, member of the debate team, and senior class Historian at Bragtown High School. Hazel married her high school sweetheart, Norman Shelton, on June 6, 1952, which was the beginning of a 61 year adventure together. She traveled the world with her Air Force husband and called many interesting and wonderful places home during her lifetime, including Goldsboro, N.C.; Valdosta, Ga.; Frankfurt, Germany; San Antonio, Texas; and Iraklion, Crete, Greece, before moving to San Angelo in 1977. Hazel worked in Civil Service for 40 years, serving as secretary to many Air Force leaders, including 9 Wing Commanders at Goodfellow Air Force Base, beginning with Colonel Charlie Powell, before her retirement in 2000. Hazel excelled in her job and was well-respected by her bosses, coworkers, and members of the community. Her greatest accomplishment and source of immense pride, however, was her family. Hazel was devoted to raising her three daughters and 1 son and doting on her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, inspiring them to pursue everything they put their mind to with unwavering dedication and heart. She was a talented seamstress and made many of her children's clothes and gifts for friends and family. Hazel had a deep love of music and was a gifted pianist. She shared this gift by playing the piano at her church, accompanying the family Christmas carol chorus and sing-a-longs to her favorite songs, and passing down her passion for music to her children and grandchildren through music lessons. Hazel was an amazing mother to her own children, as well as a second mom to many of their friends who endearingly called her, "Mom Shelton". Although Alzheimers took Hazel's memories from her, she leaves many wonderful and cherished memories with all the people she touched in this lifetime. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Margaret Evelyn Dietz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy Shelton Scott and Fred Scott; and her in-laws, Hop and Nellie Shelton. Hazel is survived by her husband, Norm Shelton, of San Angelo; four children Teresa Shelton of Wylie, Pat Shelton (Ted Gardeline) of Anchorage, Alaska, Linda Shelton Gellman of League City, and Tim Shelton (Dawnn) of San Antonio. Hazel also leaves behind nine grandchildren Tiffany Nickels (Lon) of Beaumont, Tera Gallaway (Jamie) of Honolulu, Hawaii, Terry Shelton (Heather) of Rockwall, Dana Sanchez (Anthony) of Wylie, Austin Gardeline of Anchorage, Alaska, Andrea Chase (Joe) of Austin, Michael Shelton of San Antonio, and Hannah Gellman and Tori Gellman of League City. Hazel was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, Frank, Joseph, Grace, Caydee, Amanda, Payton, Jacob, Skyler, Madison, Nicholas, Hayley, and Andrew. Hazel is survived by her sister, Loretta "Ro" Foushee (John) of Roxboro, N.C.; brother, Gary Deitz (Debbie) of Stem, N.C.; and uncle Clyde Sutton of Asheville, N.C. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Jay (Kim), Barry and Lori Foushee, Gary Jr., Alesia, Heath, and Chris, all of North Carolina, Danny Scott of South Carolina, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Hazel is also survived by special family member, Lynne Shelton, of San Antonio and forever furry friend, Sam. Hazel's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Beehive Homes of San Angelo, and the caring team from Odyssey Hospice for allowing Hazel to live the final chapter of her life with comfort and dignity. Visitation will be at Johnson's Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Hazel's life will be held Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. A reception in the fellowship hall at Holy Angels Catholic Church will follow. Please make donations in Hazel's memory to the national Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or Odyssey Hospice through the Gentiva Hospice Foundation (gentivahospicefoundation.org). Eccesiastes 3: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven?