Mildred Elizabeth Shelton

Mildred Elizabeth Evans Shelton was born on December 17,1932 to John Evans and Mary Robinson Evans in Summit Township, IL. Mildred was raised in the small town of Argo, IL with her brother John Evans (deceased), and sisters Doris Evans, Amelia Williams (deceased) Lula Mae nee Evans (deceased) Adelaide Carroll, Virginia nee Evans (deceased) and Elaine Williams (deceased).

Mildred's childhood revolved around helping at the family farm and, when a bit older, as a dedicated caregiver to her grandmother who survived a stroke. A quiet person at heart, Mildred ( mom ) loved to laugh and joke around with her sisters, especially, her youngest sister Elaine. Mom had lots of energy, spontaneity and a feistiness, no doubt cultivated at an early age likely as a result of being one of the youngest siblings in a large family! All of those personal attributes served her will through-out her earthly sojourn.

After high school, Mildred received and forever appreciated the encouraging words and support from her mother, Mary Evans, to attend college where Mildred pursued her interest in Nursing at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana obtaining her nursing degree in the 1950's. At U.of I., Mom developed a lifelong friendship with another Nurse, Virginia (deceased) and met her future husband Earl W. Shelton. During her undergraduate tenure, Mildred was also accepted to the Delta Sigma Theta Chapter at the University.

Earl W. Shelton and Mildred E. Evans were married on September 9, 1956 at Antioch Baptist Church of Argo, IL. Mom was a loving and devoted wife and to this union was born four daughters: Kenya D. Ditto, Alicia M. Cartagena, Janinea Shelton and Millicent B. Shelton Samuel. Mom's dedication to her daughters was evident with the many hours she spent traveling with them to activities and by her ongoing participation in their organizations; Mom was and continues to be the unique source of many of their accomplishments both directly and indirectly.

Mildred continued to develop her professional life after being a stay at home mom for many years returning to Maryville College of Chesterfield, MO in the 1970's to receive her Master's Degree in Health Administration. Along with her husband Earl, as a couple, they participated in many professional and social activities to include Jack and Jill, Mound City Medical Association and the National Medical Association, to name a few.

Family life was very important to Mom and she and Earl bought a family farm in the late 1960's to which they invested much time, effort and fun until the sale in 2010. Mom loved gardening and fishing at the farm and spent hours canning the many vegetable grown in the garden. Mom loved cats, so the farm became a "rescue/refuge" for multiple country felines!

With God as her heavenly Father, Mildred's faith and belief in Jesus was the core of who she was forever. As a family, Earl and Mildred were members of Antioch Baptist Church of St. Louis until 1970, afterwards becoming lifelong members of Second Baptist Church of St. Louis. At Second Baptist, Mom's innate empathy was visible spurring her to become active in several church committees and service organizations which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Mildred's desire to "see the world" took her on many trips with Earl as well as with her sister Elaine and other organizations. Mom particularly enjoyed her trip to Ghana which she found to be enlightening. After Earl's death in 2018, Mildred moved to Arizona with her daughter Alicia and became involved with Oakwood Creative Care center meeting other active Seniors. Although Alzheimer's disease greatly contributed to her decline, Mildred remained an active, witty contributor with family, friends and society. A passionate and informed Democrat, Mildred had very strong ideas about politics and LOVED the election of President Barack Obama and did not hesitate to show her displeasure with the election of President Donald Trump! This political passion stayed with Mildred until her death.

Mildred Elizabeth Shelton passed away quietly in her sleep, going on to be with her Savior and her Lord on February 18, 2021. Mildred's/Mom's beauty, both on the inside and on the outside, will be forever remembered and missed by those who survive her and love her to include all four of her daughters, her grandchildren: Ty Lee Ditto, Nicole Ditto, Ruben A. Cartagena, Jasmin C. Cartagena, Asher D. Samuel and Isabella J. Samuel. There are many additional cousins and friends who will fondly remember her independent spirit, clever comments and creative personality.

"We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord"

2 Cor 5:8 (NIV)