Ethel Shelton

Ethel Louise Tyson Shelton peacefully departed her earthly home on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family and friends who loved and cherished her throughout her 88 beautiful years of life. Ethel, affectionately known as "Louise" by her family, was born on March 10, 1937, in Greenville, North Carolina, to the late Ethel Mae Tyson and Isaiah Little. She attended school in Pitt County before she and her mother moved to Baltimore, Maryland, during her teenage years. In the late 1950s, fate brought Ethel together with the love of her life, Andrew Shelton, a bus driver for the Baltimore Transit Company. As the story goes, Ethel made sure to catch Andrew's bus often and the rest was history. Their courtship blossomed into a loving and devoted marriage, and the two were united in holy matrimony on July 16, 1960. From their union, they were blessed with five wonderful children: Fern, Bryant, Angela, Rosalind, and Lisa. Ethel and Andrew's home was a place of warmth, laughter, and love. It was often filled with family, friends, and the irresistible aroma of Ethel's home cooking. She was known for her famous Sunday dinners. True feasts that always had "a little extra," just in case someone stopped by after church. During the holidays, Ethel delighted in baking pans of rolls, biscuits, and pies for neighbors and family alike. Her home radiated love, joy, and generosity, and she made sure no one ever left hungry. Ethel loved music, laughter, and a good time. She was affectionately known as "The Spades Queen" and never turned down a chance to line dance or "shake it" with family and friends. Though she slowed down in her later years, she never lost her zest for life or her ability to brighten a room with her smile and humor. To her family and community, Ethel was more than a mother; she was "Mama" to everyone. Her love and care extended far beyond her five children; she nurtured, fed, and encouraged countless others throughout her lite. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless joy and were a constant source of pride and strength. Ethel leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, faith, and resilience. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Angela and Rosalind; four grandchildren, Donell Butler (Bryant), Jatrea Long (Fern), Bryant Shelton (Bryant), and Sandi Scott (Lisa); six great-grandchildren, Xenaiya Dyer, Khajia Keith, Jamison Johnson (Jatrea), Persia & Zenobia Butler (Donell), Huston Corporal (Sandi), and Bryant Shelton III (Bryant). She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Andrew Shelton, her beloved children Fern, Bryant, and Lisa Shelton, and her cherished granddaughter Britney Green (Rosalind). Ethel is also survived by her loving sister, Brenda Bradley Wilmore; nephews Horace Shelton, Jordan Wilmore, Troy Wilmore, Kendale Thomas (Kamari - great-nephew; nieces Jacqueline Robinson, Barbara Garris, and Mildred Shelton-Coleman; dear cousins Peggy Baker and Caldion M. Armstrong. Lastly, "Mama's babies" Jasmine Scott, Nadya & Noel Wilson. Though she has departed this world, her laughter, her kindness, and her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Tributes

Ethel Shelton

March 18, 1937 - October 3, 2025