Roena Ramona Shelton

Roena Ramona Cherry Shelton was born on June 2, 1929, in Arlington, Tennessee to the union of Manuel and Leona (Westbrook) Cherry. Roena’s parents and twelve siblings preceded her in death.

At an early age, Roena professed her hope in Christ and was baptized at the Belmont Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend F.R. Nelson. Roena received her formal education in the Shelby County School District.

On March 4, 1948, Roena was united in Holy Matrimony to Mason Bell Shelton. This union was blessed with five children, Barbara Joyce, Lee, Olivia, Izora, and Mason Jr. Roena’s husband, Mason, and eldest daughter, Barbara Joyce also preceded her in death.

In search of gainful employment and a better life, Mason moved his family to Saint Louis, Missouri in 1953. Roena found employment as a Nurse’s Assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital. Always striving to improve, in 1960 Roena received a degree in Nursing from the St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Roena was an excellent and dedicated caregiver for St. Mary’s Health Center until her retirement in 1991.

Roena united with Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in 1959 under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Mitchell. She was a loyal member and served faithfully on numerous ministries until her health began to fail. Roena’s greatest honor came when she was selected and made a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Union by the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association.

Roena found great joy being surrounded by her family and friends. She stood firmly on her faith and hope in the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Roena remained steadfast in her faith to the end.

Roena committed her life to supporting and encouraging her immediate and extended family. She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons ~ Lee Shelton of Arlington, Tennessee and Mason (Valerie) Shelton of Saint Louis, Missouri; two daughters ~ Olivia (James) White and Izora (Michael) Liggins; one goddaughter ~ Christina Bowie all of Saint Louis, Missouri; one brother ~ George (Cheryl) Branch; three sisters-in-law ~ Alberta Patterson, Irene Rodgers, Patricia Matthews all of Arlington, Tennessee; fifteen grandchildren ~ Rodney, Reginald (Cheryl), James Jr., Demontre’(Ronnie), Dorian (Tandalaya), Joy, Roszell, Renee (Joseph), Mason III (Christina) Anishika (Kareem), Marshelle (William), Brandon (Erika), Michael Jr., Gwendolyn, and Antoinette; thirty-one great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins; last but not least, a loving and devoted caregiver ~ Ms. Carmen Miller.

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