ROCKVALE, Tenn. – Effie Louise Shelton, 87, peacefully passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Rockvale, Tenn. where she had been residing for the past three years.
Born in Greenville, Muhlenberg County on December 24, 1937 to her parents, Noah Sherman Sweeney and Maude Brasher Sweeney, and raised there along with her four siblings. On October 11, 1957, she was married to Gene Douglas Shelton, son of Clint and Loretta Shelton, by Brother Gross at the Greenville Presbyterian Church. They resided in Greenville for five years before moving to Hammond, Ind. with their two young children, Donna Sue and Terry Gene. Effie was a devoted stay-at-home mom to her children throughout their elementary school years. She then entered the workforce in the food service industry employed at White Castle as a Training Instructor for 25 years until her retirement. Throughout retirement she enjoyed her vegetable garden, occasional day-trips to the casino boat, helping her neighbors and taking care of her four dogs.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna (Phillip) Jordon of Rockvale, Tenn.; her son, Terry (Danette) Shelton of Portage, Ind.; four nieces; two nephews; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gene of 53 years, her granddaughter Amy Shelton at the age of 17, her niece Kimberly, her nephews Michael, Gary and Anthony, and her four siblings Mack, Verna, Margie and Della.
Private funeral services will be held at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, officiated by Brother Tom Stovall. There will be no visitation. A private burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery there in Greenville, where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.garysfuneralhome.net
