Shelton Hunt Shearon, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on January 1, 1944, Shelton lived a life marked by dedication to education, service to her community, and deep love for family and friends.

Shelton graduated from Needham Broughton High School, where she met the love of her life, James Shearon, whom she married on July 16, 1966. She continued her education at Peace College for Girls in Raleigh and completed her bachelor’s degree at Meredith College. Her deep love of water sports led her to work as an active lifeguard and synchronized swimmer and coach during her college years.

After graduation, Shelton began her teaching career as a math and science teacher for junior high students in Raleigh Public Schools, where she taught for two years. She later devoted 41 years to teaching at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, inspiring generations of students through her knowledge, patience, and commitment.

In civic life, Shelton was a descendant of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served for three years as president of the Cross Creek Briarwood Garden Club in Fayetteville. She also traveled often with friends from church, both on mission trips and to dream destinations.

Shelton maintained a lifelong connection to Raleigh, the home of her parents, Harlow Hunt and Evelyn Hobby. She returned there for family reunions, errands, and the meaningful work of reconstituting an ancestral cemetery.

She loved many things with gusto: cultivating flowers, creating fiber arts, sailing with her doting husband and fearless cat, and driving powerful cars—especially her Ford Thunderbird, affectionately named Lazarus.

Shelton is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, James Shearon, and her cherished godchildren: Christopher Callaghan, Autumn Callaghan, Brooke Callaghan, Charlotte Legaspi, Isabelle James, and Spencer Brock. She was preceded in death by her father, Harlow Hunt, and her mother, Evelyn Hobby of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Shelton’s memory will live on in the hearts of loved ones whose lives were touched by her kindness, devotion, and vibrant spirit.

Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Montlawn Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 2PM.

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com