Constance Akers Shelton Obituary in Martinsville at Hairston Funeral Home

Obituary For Constance Akers Shelton

Constance Akers Shelton, 74 of Ridgeway Virginia died July 6th, 2020 in Ridgeway Virginia. She was born in Floyd County on July 10th, 1945 to the late Ellis Cambridge Akers and Elizabeth Carrie Fields Akers.

Constance was a graduate of Floyd County High School and was among the first class of black students to integrate the formerly segregated high school in 1960. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia State University & a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Constance was an Elementary School Teacher for over 35 years.

In 1965, Constance met her beloved husband, the late James Henry Shelton, Jr at Virginia State University, and they were happily married for 45 years. To this union was born a son, the late Bryon Lamar, and a daughter, Shannon Kaye. Constance was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an active and loyal member of Mayo Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are her daughter Shannon St. Clair, son-in-law John St. Clair, & grandchildren John Jr. and Londen St. Clair, all of Pembroke Pines, Florida; one brother Dennis Akers; and several nieces and nephews. Constance was preceded in death by her husband James Henry Shelton, Jr.; her son, Bryon Lamar Shelton; & three brothers: Cambridge Ellis Akers, Charles Keller Akers, & Bryant Ellis Akers.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV [1] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: [2] a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, [3] a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, [4] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, [5] a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, [6] a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, [7] a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, [8] a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9,2020, at The C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home from 12 until 5:oo pm. Due to the CDC guidelines for COVID19, all funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Virginia State University to help a student attend college, where Constance received a full scholarship & earned a Bachelors of Education. http://www.vsu.edu/advancement/give-to-vsu.php Constance would be so honored.

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Prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. Connie was my roommate at Virginia State (College) University. We shared a great friendship, and she was my first born's Godmother. May God grant you strength. Jacqueline Hopson Halstead.

I worked with Connie at Sanville Elementary many years ago. She was a pleasure to work with. She was always so sweet and kind. It was an honor to have known her!

Connie and I were classmates and friends at Virginia State (College) University. We were also on the ROTC Court together ... Connie was Miss ROTC and I was Miss 1st Battalion 1966-67. Your mom and dad both were so kind to visit with me in Blacksburg, VA when I lost my beloved husband, Douglas. Your dad and my husband were also friends at Virginia State. My heart felt condolence to you, Shannon, and your family. God be with you in this very sad time in your life. May God continue to bring you peace and comfort. Love, Betty Day
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. It was a joy to know Connie and to teach with her. She will be missed. May you find comfort in remembering the wonderful times you shared as a family. May God bless you.
With Love, Doris S. Scales

We are sending love and support during this time . Please know that we are praying that God gives you wisdom comfort and peace During this time . Love Darrin and Kimberly Smith

My heartfelt condolences to Shannon and the family. Ms. Connie was a very special person. My prayers are with you. Chandra Hairston Shelton

God, bless the family. Love, Peter and Willie Mae Harris

Mrs. SHELTON was and is a beautiful person and her spirit was one of the kindest I have ever come in contact with. I remember her as my teacher at Mary Hunter elementary school. I always thought she was so beautiful and I remember how calm she was and she made my life that year one of the most peaceful. I suffered from anxiety as a child really bad and her voice was so calming and reassuring. I also had her husband as a teacher in high school it broke my heart when he passed away. They are reunited once again and it makes me happy to know they are both in heaven. May God bless her remaining family here on earth. One of the most remarkable things I remember about them was every year they took a trip to visit a different state until they visited all 50, I remember her husband saying how much he loved doing that with his children and Connie. Thank you for being my teacher and friends. Much love, Brenda Carol Stewart Haynes

Mrs Shelton was my 5th grade teacher at Sanville Elementary school. I requested her to be my teacher, loved her, she was so sweet and caring. Always such a caring, calm and supportive teacher.

Connie was a dedicated and loving teacher. She was one of the reasons Spencer Penn was such a wonderful school. She had such a kind demeanor towards her students and was a great role model. She was one that I "watched and learned" from when preparing to become a teacher myself. We all loved her! My deepest sympathy, Robin Abbott

Lisa West

I worked with Connie at Spencer-Penn. She was a child loving teacher. Her dry sense of humor used to make me laugh. Always the professional. Always dressed to the nines. My prayers are with you.

Sending prayers to the family during this difficult time, I taught with Connie at Spencer Penn. She was a kind and compassionate teacher. She was always there to lend a helping hand. She will be missed. Kimberly Andrejco

The world is a better place because of Mr and Mrs Shelton. This family educated myself and my children. They hold lovely places in my heart. Grace and peace to the families and all who loved them. God Bless. Susan and Barry Kanode

I enjoyed teaching with Connie at Spencer Penn for several years. I taught kindergarten and then would send them on to Connie. We retired the same year A very good woman and teacher. Love to Shannon and family

I came to know Mrs. Shelton years ago at Sanville Elementary and worked along side her years later at Spencer Penn Elementary. She was a wonderful role model as both a teacher and a fellow community resident. My condolences to her family. ~Dale Burnette