Mary Bess Shelton

Mary Bess Coleman Shelton, age 86, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026.

With heavy hearts, our beautiful-dancing momma (Mary Bess Shelton), has moved along to meet her family and friends in heaven for a joyous reunion. She lived life to the fullest and loved her family and friends unconditionally. Mary Bess retired after working with special needs children whom she loved deeply. The family would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Nina Coleman; her husband, James F. Shelton; and daughters, Kim Shelton and Priscilla Shelton.

She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Shelton Stegner (Stanley Teems) and Tammy Berrong (Jimmy); her grandchildren, AJ Hartlaub, Allan Stegner (Alisha), Sarah Stegner Schwarzer (Jake), Jessica Gibson (Cody), Levi Martin (Alesia) and Cole Graves; her nine great grandchildren; and her beloved companion, Ray Bramblet.

A funeral service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville with Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Burial will be at Hickory Stand Methodist Cemetery in Brasstown, NC. Pallbearers will be Levi Martin, Allan Stegner, Cody Gibson, Tim Coleman, Anthony Coleman and Jared Coleman. Honorary pallbearer will be Stanley Teems.

The family will receive friends from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026 prior to the funeral service.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.