Hard to Say Goodbye!!

Here is the obituary for Lee's grandma, whom we affectionately called "Mama Rainie". We miss her so much. She wasn't sick at all. It was just her time, I guess. Her service was in Pensacola yesterday and we were with other members of Lee's family in MN who were unable to go. We shared our favorite memories and received several phone calls from relatives with their accounts of the day. We also played Uno Attack in her honor since she was always so competitive when we played. For the past five years she lived here and I really loved having a grandma close by for the first time in my life. She always called me "baby" with that sweet southern accent. Sure would have loved to have just one more hug and kiss from this sweet lady. Doesn't she just LOOK like a sweetheart?

FRANCES LORAINE (REEVES) SHELTON

JUNE 11, 1924 - DECEMBER 26, 2008

Loraine Shelton, age 84, left this world unexpectedly to set sail for her heavenly home, December 26, 2008. Loraine was the faithful wife of the late Pastor L. R. Shelton, Jr. for over 60 years before his passing over 5 years ago. She has since been residing with two of her children in Cold Spring, Minnesota. She was born in McComb, Mississippi to James Z Reeves and Carrie Fae Bailey. She and Lee Roy were married on August 22, 1942. During their married life they lived in New Orleans, LA; Litchfield, MN; and Pensacola, FL. They displayed what true love was all about as they exampled the love they had for each other to those that lived around them. Loraine was probably the least selfish person that I have ever known. She placed her husband and children ahead of herself in life. She indeed was the "wind beneath the wings" of my father. Her support of him and his ministry never wavered. If giving is more blessed than receiving, as Jesus Christ said it was, then my mother experienced much blessing in her life.Loraine was preceded in death by her parents, James Zack Reeves and Carrie Fae Bailey Reeves and her husband Lee Roy Shelton, Jr. She will be lovingly missed by her sister Margaret Bostick and husband Harry; her three children, Sharon Frolek and husband, Alan, Lee Roy Shelton, III and wife, Marsha, and Zechariah Shelton and wife, Janis. Loraine was blessed with four grandchildren, Lee Roy Shelton, IV and wife, Dawn, Christy Washburn and husband, Paul, Kimberlee Shelton, and Sharla Shelton and step-grandchildren Jack and Dustin Campbell. She lived to see and enjoy four great-grandchildren, Leroy, Jacob, Audrey, Lydia Washburn and four step-great-grandchildren Taylor, Allison, Colton and Samantha Campbell. Loraine passed away before ever seeing her adopted great-grandchildren Olivia, Patricia and Philippe Shelton. A 10:30 am Memorial Service is planned for Friday, January 2nd at the Mount Zion Bible Church 2603 W. Wright St. in Pensacola, Florida. Interment will be at the Bayview Cemetery.Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 1/1/2009