Joyce Shelton Obituary

Joyce Shelton, age 84, passed away on November 3, 2025. She was born on October 27, 1941, to Kerry and Inez Smith. Joyce earned her GED as an adult. She was employed as a caregiver, cook, and housekeeper. Joyce enjoyed cooking, ceramics, hosting family events, movies, gardening, reading, puzzles, and crosswords. She will always be remembered for her infectious and joyful personality, love of family, exceptional cooking skills, bright smile, opening her home to others, and her love for God. Joyce loved hard in all capacities: wife, mom, sister, friend, neighbor, volunteer, caregiver, and to strangers.

Joyce Shelton is preceded in death by her parents Kerry Smith, Sr. and Inez (Henderson) Smith, daughter Stephani Nicole, siblings Linda Ann, Wanda Faye, Kerry Jr., Eunice Maxine, and Myrtle Jenell, and her grandson Richard Jr.

Joyce is survived by her ex-husband and lifelong friend Donell Downie, daughters Melinda Joyce (Ray), Shawn Renee (Vaughn), and Pamela Monique, son Richard Donell, grandchildren Brianne, Patrice, Ashton (LeAndrea), Keshawn, Amber, Angelica, Jessica, Kayla, Tisheaux, Britania, Ryan, Jaleesa, Madeline, Holly, Sidnee, and Vincent (Briona), great-grandchildren Elijah, Ashira (Magdaleno), Hazel, Jeremiah, Poppy, Kayla, Kamrin, Landon, Kylie, Ka'Mariyea, Kei'Ansai, Kali, Kei'Ariyeon, Devontra, Master, Kandice, Royal, Ashtyn, Janelle, Gavin, Karter, Cali, and Kyrie, sisters Jewel Byrd and Frances Teamer, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-great grandchildren, associates, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Corpus Christi Funeral Home.