Stephanie H. Shelton, talented musician, truck driver
Stephanie H. Shelton, 76, of Rehoboth Beach, departed this life Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 9 a.m., at Acute Care Hospice in Wilmington.The youngest of two daughters born to Thomas and Ollie Shelton of Millsboro.
A graduate of William C. Jason Comprehensive High School Class of 1965. Stephanie started playing saxophone in the seventh grade under the direction of her music teacher, Thomas Cooper. She was inspired by the artists who performed at Rosedale Beach Hotel in Millsboro. These life experiences encouraged her to pursue excellence in her musical expressions, gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock ‘n roll.
Stephanie was the director of the music ministry at Harmony U.M. Church until her health failed. She loved animals and housed and fed neighbor cats in cooperation with Just Us Cat & Kitten Rescue. She honored Uncle Walt’s wishes to care for her cousin, Gary, and did so for 20 years until he passed.
Stephanie trained as a professional truck driver at a school in Harrisburg, Pa. Stephanie returned to Delaware in 1989, where continued to drive for companies in Millsboro and Rehoboth Beach. The success of her return to musical pursuits was written in the News Journal entitled “For This Sax Player, Dreams Really Do Come True.” Stephanie’s invitations to play with other musicians on the Peninsula resulted in her becoming a member of an all-female band, Shades of Blue.
Stephanie leaves to mourn her sister, Sherita Mahoney of Millsboro; an aunt, Connie North of Baltimore, Md.; cousins, Elizabeth Geary of Philadelphia, Pa., Conchita Congo-Reuben of Las Vegas, Nev., and Sylvester Shelton of New Haven, Conn.; other relatives; a faithful friend, Nina Hamilton of Wallingford, Pa.; and a godson, Cody Hamilton of Wallingford, Pa.
A memorial service for Stephanie is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at 1:00 p.m., at Harmony U.M. Church, 27073 John J. Williams Hwy., Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Just Us Cat & Kitten Rescue, P.O. Box 32, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Harmony U.M. Church, P.O. Box 1435, Millsboro, DE 19966.
