Alesia Elizabeth Shelton

Her Celebration of Joy

Alesia Elizabeth Shelton

"These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11

Alesia Elizabeth Cooper Shelton, the second oldest of six children, was born on May 24, 1961, to the late Robert Eugene Cooper, Sr., and Elizabeth Arstena Putty Cooper. Alesia embodied joy in all aspects of her life-as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her radiant spirit uplifted everyone she encountered until the Lord called her home to glory on March 22, 2025.

Alesia's journey of joy began in Philadelphia, where she received her education through the School District of Philadelphia, graduating from Roxborough High School in 1979. She continued her academic path at Drexel University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 1984, where she was recognized as a distinguished recipient of Who's Who Among Students in America's Colleges and Universities. Her pursuit of knowledge and excellence continued in 2009 when she earned an MBA in Finance from Wilmington University.

In 1976, Alesia met her "future husband" and partner in joy, Anthony "Tony" Shelton. Their 49-year inseparable bond was filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion, leading to marriage on May 4, 1985. Their love story was blessed with two wonderful children, Ashleigh Brianna and Anthony Theodore Jr. (AntMan), the greatest sources of joy in her life. There was nothing she wouldn't do to ensure their happiness and success.

Alesia's faith was the foundation of her joy. She accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Galilee Baptist Church in Roxborough. She actively participated in various church organizations and was crowned Miss Teenage Galilee in 1977. Her commitment to faith continued as she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1989, and later, after relocating to Bear, DE, she and her family found a church home at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Newark, DE, in 2006.

Alesia's joy extended to her career, where she found fulfillment in her work. She held accounting roles at several Fortune 500 companies, including INA (CIGNA), ACE, AIG, JP Morgan Chase, and MBNA. She spent the final seven years of her career at Venerable Insurance and Annuity Company in West Chester, PA, where her professionalism, kindness, and infectious spirit left a lasting impact on her colleagues.

Alesia was known for her joyful celebrations, especially during her beloved "ME MONTH" celebrated every year during the month of May. Those who knew her best will remember how she flooded her Facebook timeline with posts celebrating every special moment-ME Wedding Anniversary, ME Mother's Day, ME Mother's Birthday, ME Birthday, ME Memorial Day, and ME Husband's Retirement. She made sure to celebrate each and every ME date and made sure there was a gift for all the MEs. LOL!

Alesia found immense joy in connecting with loved ones. She treasured conversations with her siblings, cousins, and close friends, always bringing laughter and warmth to every call and visit. She had an unmatched talent for finding the best shopping deals and took great pride in sharing her steals and bargains.

But perhaps one of her greatest joys was traveling the world. Her motto was "travel the world for less... and often," and she lived by it wholeheartedly. She and Tony explored destinations across the globe, from China to South Africa, from South America to the Caribbean. Her most treasured adventure was a 2022 trip to Egypt with her husband and siblings. Her love for travel inspired her to become a travel agent for ExpediaCruises.com, helping others create their own joyful experiences.

Alesia was the perfect helpmate, a woman whose smile could brighten the darkest room and whose laughter could lift any heart. She had the gift of filling others with joy, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. Cooper, Sr. She leaves behind a legacy of joy in the hearts of her loved ones: her devoted husband, Anthony T. Shelton, Sr.; her beloved children, Ashleigh Brianna Shelton and Anthony Theodore Shelton, Jr.; her loving mother, Elizabeth A. Cooper; five siblings, Dr. Angie Cooper-Parham (James), Wayne Cooper, Robert E. Cooper, Jr. (Mychelle), Shawn Cooper, and Shemiah Cooper; her brothers-in-law, Kevin Shelton, Michael Shelton (Faith), Darryl Shelton (Ella), and Keith Shelton; her sister-in-law, Brenda Shelton; four aunts, Alice Walker, Madeline Seel, Giovanne Putty, and DeRhondia Cooper-Hines; two special cousins, Leslie Tarr and Cecelia Crommarty; her godchild, Asia Wallace; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.