Mrs. Evelyn Watts-Shelton

Evelyn Julia Shelton (Burnett) was born October 27, 1926, in Lebanon IL, and passed away at the age of 97 in her home Tuesday February 13, 2024. Evelyn graduated from Lebanon Community High School Class of 1946. She married young. During the course of Evelyn’s life, she traveled and lived in different parts around the world. Lebanon Illinois, Madrid Spain, Nebraska, and Kansas City, Missouri, where she made her home. Evelyn later met Thomas Shelton and married December 28, 1996. On February 13th 2024, Evelyn Julia Shelton gained her wings to go be with the lord and her family. Throughout her career she worked at St Joseph Hospital of Kansas City MO, KU Student Union Bookstore,and retired from Armco Steel Corp in 1981. For many years, her pastime was managing households and was loved dearly by the Schifman family of Overland Park KS. Evelyn was truly an AMAZING woman with spiritual roots and a woman of order. She grew up in Lebanon IL and went to church alongside her older sister Stella Mae Holmes, and younger brother Melvin Burnett. She LOVED playing the piano for the church and eventually made Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church her home playing for over 50+years. On weekends, Evelyn would drive all the way to a church in Odessa MO where she was a faithful member and also playing the piano for the choir under the leadership of Arthur L Moberly. Real and true. Evelyn was a beautiful soul and she loved all of us and we knew what to expect. We all love her and will miss her. Noris, son of Thomas Shelton ,was there to assist ‘Mom” with the upkeep of her household and weekly landscaping duties. . He was loving and helpful in so many ways. Little Arthur (Boogie) grandson of Thomas Shelton, who was loved so dearly, brought inspiration, love, and light, and showed us all the blessings and gifts that God gives us day to day. The last couple of years of her life, she was cared for by 2 lovely souls (My girls) Marjorie Trotter and Deanna Wilson. Thank you Both very much for your loving care of our mother and granny. Evelyn was dedicated to her ministry and community. She received the following honors: Greater Mt Olive M.B. Church; Certificate of Appreciation for being a Dedicated Worker - 2003, Prince of Peace; Certificate of Appreciation for being a Devoted Member - 2007, Certificate of Appreciation for Perfect Attendance in Sunday School - 2009, Certificate of Appreciation for 40+ years of the Music Department - 2011, and June 26, 2021 a plaque of recognition from the House of Representatives honored as a District 22 Outstanding Citizen. Granny was a friend of JCPenney, Macy's, Dillards...Jones and Stix Baer & Fuller back in the day. She bought what she wanted and looked good! Very organized and thorough as she kept running ledgers of every bill she had. Mom/Granny loved and enjoyed being with her family. She did not bite her tongue and gave wise advice as some of us may have called it "criticizing" or "nagging"...lol...smh! Then it would be "Get right with the Lord" she would say. Nonetheless, she was granny, she was a giver with a big heart, she LOVED God, she was REAL and TRUE, she was BEAUTIFUL, she loved all of us and we knew what to expect. We loved her, we love her and miss her. We'll see her again! Evelyn Julia Burnett (Shelton) was preceded in death by her Parents; Julius & Leona Burnett, Sister; Estella Mae Holmes, Brother; Melvin Burnett, Husbands; Robert Deboe, Ivan Walker, Ottis Watts, Thomas Shelton, Grandson; Christopher Deboe. Survivors: Children; Yvonne Deboe, Kenneth Deboe (Vicki), Jeffrey Walker. Grandchildren; Phillip Deboe (Juanita), Melanie J. Deboe Wilkerson (Steve), Kevin Deboe (Katina), Melanie D. Deboe, LaDonna Deboe (Richard Booker), Durron Blanton. Great Grandchildren; Leah Deboe, Phillip Deboe Jr, Jeremy Deboe, Teren Deboe, Markeisha Deboe, Tanisha Deboe, Raneisha Hattley, Rakeisha Hattley, La'Quan Hattley, Rateisha Hattley, D'Marion Deboe, RaQuel Deboe, Rachel Deboe, Damarcus Deboe, Bre'Ana Deboe, Brittnee Deboe, Christopher Deboe Jr, Abel Deboe, Alex Deboe, Great Great Grandchildren; Za'Stareau Deboe, Cartier Cendroski, Martoine Deboe, MarQuan Deboe, Markeya Deboe, Ray'Lynn Hattley, Adrian Hupp Jr., Kylan Hattley, Ty'Heem Comeaux, Durron Blanton Jr., Dillon Blanton, Masiah Deboe, Kylie Deboe, Kaiden Deboe, Mayson Deboe, Kyair Deboe. Nephew; LaRone Burnett, Niece; Yolonda Lawrence, Great Nieces; Juanita Lawrence, Cierra Burnett, Great Nephew; Deshawn Lawrence, other relatives and friends. Homegoing Services will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, 11am at Macedonia MBC. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am-11am at the church. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mrs. Evelyn Watts-Shelton

October 27, 1926 - February 13, 2024