Sulema (Gonzales) Shelton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sulema Shelton who left us peacefully on October 12, 2025.

Visitation will be at 3:00 – 5:00pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, followed by a memorial service at Jernigan -Warren Funeral Home.

Born in Texas, Sulema spent her early years surrounded by the warm Texan sun, later calling the Philippines, Arizona and Hawaii home before settling in NC where she lived the majority of her life.

A dedicated educator, Sulema devoted 30 years to teaching Spanish, sharing her knowledge of the language and her passion for learning.  She retired in 2014.

Sulema was a proud and loving mother to her two children Dawn and Susan and was known by many as a “tough cookie”.  Beneath her tough exterior she was deeply compassionate and cherished time spent with her family and adored being a grandmother. Her grandkids were a great source of happiness in her later years, and she will be remembered for the love and joy she brought to their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Beatrice Rodriquez and Magdalena “Lottie” Tomlinson.

She is survived by her two daughters; Dawn Chmiel of Apex NC and Susan Delaney and husband David of Holly Springs NC; Three grandchildren Gabe and Finn Chmiel, Lauren Delaney and one brother John Gonzales; two nieces, Anna and Michelle and one nephew Michael.

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

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sulema (Gonzales) Shelton, please visit our floral store.