N ancy Jean Leigh Shelton, 81, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in her home on Pecan Acres Farm in Chinquapin, North Carolina, on December 20, just nine days after the passing of her beloved husband of 62 years, Delmer Lee "Bud" Shelton.

Born of the late Adam Reynolds Leigh and Lillian Ricks Leigh and also predeceased by her brother James Edward Leigh, she lived the majority of her life in Efland, North Carolina. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

She is survived by her children Donna Shelton (Steven Moore) a Certified Physician Assistant and Navy veteran, Dana Shelton Gates a detox technician, Jake Shelton an accomplished artist, and Dawn Craft (Mark) an educator and Persian Gulf War veteran. She adored her grandchildren Joshua Shelton (Liz), Donna Schloer (Tye), Kyle Long (Jennie), Adam Long (Jaclyn), and Max Craft. She delighted in her kind-hearted and creative great-grandchildren Henry and Emily Shloer.

She played basketball throughout her time at Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs Virginia from which she graduated in 1959. At 19 years old she met and married Bud, the love of her life. She owned a beauty salon for several years and later began a 28-year career of helping those in need. As one of the original Medical Assistance Coordinators (MACs) for Duke University Medical Center, she advocated for patients and truly delighted in assisting them with discovering financial resources that would help minimize and oftentimes eliminate the burden of their hospital debts. For her, it was always about putting patients and their families first.

Her greatest joy came from spending time with and caring for her family. An excellent cook who loved to entertain for family and friends, she also enjoyed reading, playing guitar, music, dancing, painting, playing racquetball and horseshoes, bowling, water skiing, and watching a variety of sports, especially football and basketball. She and Bud were avid Duke Blue Devil fans, having spent decades as Cameron Indoor Stadium season ticket holders. As Iron Duke members, they traveled thousands of miles across the United States to watch their favorite team.

To honor her memory, her family will receive guests on Thursday, December 22 from 4:00-7:00 pm in her home on Pecan Acres Farm at 575 Ludie Brown Road, Chinquapin, North Carolina. An additional celebration will be held at a later date in Durham, North Carolina with more details forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Kenan High School Visual Arts Program, 1241 NC 24 & 50 Highway, Warsaw, NC 28298 or Residential Treatment Services of Alamance 130 Hall Ave., Burlington, NC, 27217.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Shelton Family.