Donna Ruth Dorris Shelton, age 74, passed away on April 10, 2026. She was born on July 13, 1951.
Donna was preceded in death by her son, Jason Bryant Offutt; her parents, William Leonard Dorris and Cleo Dorris; and her brothers, Billy Dorris and Steve Dorris.
She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Marlin Shelton; her daughter, Melinda Lee Manuel (David); her grandchildren, Wyatt Gravitt (Caylin) and Colby J Manuel; her great-grandchild, Scarlett Gravitt; sister, Diann Dorris (Jack) and a large extended family.
Donna grew up in Greenbrier, Tennessee, a place she always considered home. Over the years, she worked a variety of jobs, but she found her greatest joy working as a school bus driver where she formed lasting connections with her bus monitors and parents taking great pride in caring for the children she transported.
She was a woman of strong faith who loved being involved in her church, especially singing in the choir and caring for children in the nursery. Donna enjoyed traveling, playing softball, playing games, and spending time camping with family and friends. She loved her pet dogs and cats and found great pleasure holding and caring for them.
Known for her generous and selfless spirit, Donna was always willing to help anyone in need—whether by cooking a meal, lending a hand, offering financial help, or opening her home to anyone who needed a safe place to stay. Her kindness, generosity, and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 6028 Ebenezer Rd, Greenbrier, TN 37073. Doors will open for gathering at 10:00 AM, with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:30 AM. Fellowship will follow.
If so desired: Remembrances may be made through contributions to Wartrace Methodist Church, c/o Ruth Baggett, 3718 Old Greenbrier Pike, Springfield, TN 37172; Ebenezer Baptist Church, 6028 Ebenezer Rd., Greenbrier, TN 37073 www.ebenezergreenbrier.org ; St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org/givehope ; or your favorite charity.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements.
