Mary Delilah Shelton, 93, of Lexington, passed away at her residence surrounded by her family on Monday, July 21, 2025. Ms. Mary was a graduate of Anderson Jr. High School and a part of the 1950 graduating class at Lexington High School. After graduating, Mary took a job as a telephone operator at Southern Bell Telephone Company. After her time at Southern Bell, she took a job at Reynold’s. Her last job she held was as in the library at Lexington High School and Anderson Jr. High. Then in 1998 she retired to care for her grandson and the light of her life, Blayne. Eight years later, after the untimely passing of her daughter, Robin McCafferty, a very special bond had formed between Ms. Mary “Nana” and Blayne. They shared a passion for vinyl records, tea-time, picnics at the park, and all-day outings. A quality that Nana passed down to Blayne was being a devoted caregiver. After years of care giving for her late husband in his time of illness, Blayne, after the passing of his mother, both of her parents for a number of years and anyone else who needed it. He stepped up in vast ways to make sure Nana was taken care of with the upmost respect and love for the last eight years of her life. Nana will be forever remembered for her life that was defined by love and giving.
Visitation for Ms. Mary will be Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Rogersville Funeral Home from 11-1 with a funeral service following. A private family graveside will be held in Springfield Cemetery. Ray Latham will be officiating.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Willie T. Mitchell; husband, Vernon Shelton; daughter, Robin Shelton McCafferty; brother, Ronald Mitchell. She is survived by her sons, Timothy Shelton and Kenneth (Tonya) Shelton grandsons, Blayne McCafferty and Briar Shelton; brother, Milton Mitchell; son-in-law, Benjy McCafferty; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a very special ‘thank you’ Compassus Hospice and to Ms. Mary’s caregivers; Jane Quigley, Patricia Tate and Deborah Simpson for the love, support and care that was provided.
