Sherry Linn Shelton

Sherry was born to Earnest and Betty Smith on March 4, 1959, in St Louis, Missouri and raised “in the woods” of Bunker, Missouri. She later married Tim Shelton on August 11, 1990. Sherry will be remembered for her straight-forward, no bs, always know where you stand, and big hearted and giving personality!

Sherry proudly served her country, beginning in 1979, in the US Navy as an Aviation Storekeeper; Instructor/Facilitator; Work Center Supervisor; Aviation Repairables Management Specialist; and Naval Aviation Maintenance Program Aeronautical Technical Publication Manager leaving with an Honorable Discharge for early retirement in 1998. She was an Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm Gulf War Veteran. After her retirement, she then transferred to Fleet Reserve in 1999. During her career she earned the following decorations, commendations, medals, and ribbons: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6); Navy “E” Ribbon; Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation; Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon; Artic Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Good Conduct Medal (4); and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2).

In 2009, Sherry graduated from National American University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Emphasis Information Systems. Sherry was a member of the American Legion Post 137 from 2008 to 2023 and served as Finance Officer, Service Officer, and the Rider’s Director for 2 consecutive years. Her hobbies over the years included reading (favorite authors Stephen King and Nora Roberts), motorcycles, veteran support/fundraisers, comedy shows, as well as dart and pool tournaments.

Sherry is survived by her husband Tim Shelton, stepdaughters Sharissa Davis and Crystal Hollingsworth; grandchildren Sadie Davis [Chris Redmond], Ashton Coen, Keanan Franks, Coleton Franks and Kinly Jae Hollingsworth; great grandchildren Tatum Redmond and Alana Redmond; brothers William [Peggy] Smith and Howard Smith; sister Julie Miner; mother-in-law Norma Short; brother-in-law Dan [Cathy] Shelton; and sister-in-law Teresa Watson. She was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Betty Smith, brother Carl Smith, father-in-law James Shelton and brother-in-law Bill Shelton.

Monday, June 19, 2023, at 7:30 AM, kickstands up as a Police Escort along with the Patriot Guard Riders, led by Ron Robbs, Senior Ride Captain of Patriot Guard Riders, will begin a Dignified Remains Transfer from the American Legion Post 137, 5443 San Juan Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210, to Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210, where the interment service will commence at 9:00 AM, officiated by Rita Robbs, Chaplain of Patriot Guard Riders, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at the American Legion Post 137.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Sherry Shelton, a donation may be made to either of the following:

·         PatriotServiceDogs.org or mailed to Patriot Service Dogs 1576 Bella Cruz Drive Suite #429, The Villages, FL 32159

·         American Legion Riders Post 137 mailed to 5443 San Juan Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210

Sherry will always be in our hearts and will be truly missed!