NANCY VIRGINIA HORNE SHELTON
1935-2021
Nancy Virginia Horne Shelton, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 16th of September 2021, at home surrounded by her family, due to complications from a fall. She was born on the 15th of August 1935, in Houston, to Henry Crowell Horne, Sr. and Marie Eloise Wedin Horne.
Nancy graduated from Lamar High School in 1953 and then attended The University of Texas. Returning to Houston, she married Arthur Edwin Shelton, Jr. Art and Nancy enjoyed over 53 years of marriage before his passing on the 13th of April 2010. They were the proud parents of four children, all of whom survive her. Nancy loved preparing and presiding over family Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, graduations, and other events with her children and extended family. Her grandchildren have fond remembrances of her famous fried chicken, which they frequently requested for their birthday dinners. Never one to shy away from any type of gathering, her favorites were at the holidays, especially on Lake Travis with everyone gathered around a bonfire or the dining table that accommodated the entire family. Nancy was not athletic, but she was proud to occasionally show off her ability to slalom water ski. Nancy attended countless athletic events for her grandchildren, always cheering enthusiastically. She also faithfully followed the sports teams of their colleges as well as the Astros and Rockets.
Nancy was a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church since 1972, and after becoming an empty nester, she worked for many years in the gift shop and church offices for Revs. Claude Payne and Bob Browne. She served on the Altar Guild and enjoyed traveling with church friends, particularly to England and Israel.
After her husband’s death, Nancy returned to her “old stomping grounds,” enjoying 11 years at the Lamar Tower. She made many new friends and enjoyed being spoiled by the incredible staff. She regularly watched over her high school playing fields and enjoyed fireworks from her balcony.
Nancy was a classical pianist, starting lessons at age seven. Gratefully, her Lamar Tower neighbors found much enjoyment from her continued practicing and never complained. Amusingly, while playing complicated pieces, she was known to resort to colorful language, requiring payments to the “Swear Box” that would later be taken to church each Sunday to be donated.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Henry Crowell Horne, Jr. Nancy’s survivors include children Ellen Marie and husband Larry Forrester with their children Amy Elizabeth, Emily Marie and husband Jake Lacy and their children Hunter Kate, Hattie Marie, and Jake Forrester, and Andrew Lawrence and wife Megan and their children James Lawrence, Winnie Louise, and Peter Andrew; Arthur Edwin Shelton, III and wife Ellen with their children Zachary Finnell and Lauren Elizabeth; James Henry Shelton, Sr. and wife Melissa with their children Sarah Anne and husband Ryan Campbell and James Henry, Jr; and Robert Andrews Shelton. She is also survived by her brother Alvin Andrews Horne and wife Sylvia with their children Anderson and wife Tiffany and grandnephew Henry and John and wife Emily and grandnieces Georgina and Margot. She leaves behind many cousins and special life-long friends, including Ida Skrla (deceased), Judy Gilbert, Sally Rutherford, Julia Butler, Almeria Cottingham, Marilyn Sonnenberg, Helen Shaffer, Marilyn Oliver (deceased), Vivian Serafin (deceased), and Christine Lee (deceased).
The family extends their deepest gratitude to her longterm physician, Dr. John P. Ott, as well as the amazing staff of Caring for Life Home Health, including LaShonda Kelly, LaKeshia Blanks, Tommie Mouton, Gloria Branch, and Ferdanna Galvan.
A memorial service and celebration of her life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 24th of September, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
Please visit Mrs. Shelton’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.