Hazel D. Shelton

Hazel Lee Etta Deitz Shelton has "gone the distance" in her earthly journey. She departed this world on August 24, 2013 after living with Alzheimer's Disease for the past 10 years. Hazel began her circle of life on January 31, 1933 in Pigeon, North Carolina, 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, North Carolina 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, North Carolina; Valdosta, Georgia; 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 3 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 Alzheimer's 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; her 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, and their four children: Teresa Shelton of Wylie, Texas; Pat Shelton (Ted Gardeline) of Anchorage, Alaska; Linda Shelton Gellman of League City, Texas; and Tim Shelton (Dawnn) of San Antonio, Texas. Hazel also leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Tiffany Nickels (Lon) of Beaumont, Texas; Tera Gallaway (Jamie) of Honolulu, Hawaii; Terry Shelton (Heather) of Rockwall, Texas; Dana Sanchez (Anthony) of Wylie, Texas; Austin Gardeline of Anchorage Alaska; Andrea Chase (Joe) of Austin, Texas; Michael Shelton of San Antonio, Texas; and Hannah Gellman and Tori Gellman of League City, Texas. 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, North Carolina, her brother, Gary Deitz (Debbie) of Stem, North Carolina, and her uncle Clyde Sutton of Asheville, North Carolina. 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, Texas, 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, August 28, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Hazel's life will be held Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 10:00 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 (www.alz.org) or Odyssey Hospice through the Gentiva Hospice Foundation (www.gentivahospicefoundation.org).

Ecclesiastes 3: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…