Gerry Shelton

Quote:

“I believe that everyone has a dance in them, if they have enough nerve to let it out.”
Gerry Shelton, April 25, 2014

Biographical Sketch:

Geraldine F. Shelton was born July 18, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan.  Named Frances Geraldine Brown by her parents, Maude and Thomas Brown, everyone knew her as Gerry.  Her sisters were Velma, Bernice, and Shirley.  She married James H. Shelton on October 9, 1948, at the 14th Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.

Gerry was mother to four children: Steven, Jeanette, Karen, and April.  She was grandmother to ten and great grandmother to ten of their children.  A great home-economist, she loved a bargain and could stretch the family budget through thrift and creativity. She was a help to her husband in his career, nurturing relationships with the other executives’ wives and families.

As an adult, she recorded the moment that she rededicated herself to Jesus Christ and felt the infilling of the Holy Spirit, 3:00 am, October 19, 1970.  Her faith in God led her to serve as a prayer warrior, church prayer coordinator, worship leader, Bible study leader, Sunday School teacher, vacation Bible school teacher, pianist, soloist, and choir member. Perhaps her best gift to the world was her ability to play the piano, despite never having learned how to read music. She played for her family, friends, her church, at nursing homes, and oftentimes just for herself.

Despite leaving high school prior to graduating, Gerry was an avid reader of Christian authors and Bible Studies.  She had a talent for writing poetry, which she used to express her faith and her desire for others to experience a personal relationship with God.  At Jim’s urging, she allowed her daughter to produce a book of Gerry’s poems in 2008.  She combined poetry and musical ability to write at least one song, Praise.

Gerry had artistic talent as well. She could sketch, painted a few landscapes, and used her creative ability to produce numerous teaching materials and displays for her churches over the years.

She was at Jim’s side at the Woodmark at Uptown when he passed away on August 29, 2014.  Gerry spent the next six years as a beloved member of that retirement community.  She gave piano concerts and sing-a-longs, and she was known by other residents as “The Piano Lady.”  Gerry had a great sense of humor, a compassionate nature, and an easy smile that endeared her to everyone she met.   Gerry entered the loving presence of her Lord and Savior on December 31, 2019.

In memory of Gerry, and in lieu of flowers you might wish to send, please consider contributing to the Trust set up by Jim and Gerry for the care of their disabled daughter, Karen. To donate, mail a check payable to "The Karen Elaine Shelton Supplemental Needs Trust" to the trustee, Valerie Woloszyn, 2270 Melbourne Ave., Apt 1212, Dexter, MI 48130. If you prefer to donate online, use this link to her GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/bx3hp-caring-for-karen