Elaine Dawkins Shelton

Elaine Dawkins Shelton, 81 of Rockingham, completed her earthly journey on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Mrs. Shelton was born October 2, 1942 in Richmond County, a daughter of the late Pearson Hill and Gladys Pierce Dawkins. She was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church until its closing, when she joined the congregation of Zion United Methodist Church. She worked as a teacher’s assistant for 20 years at Fairview Heights Elementary School in Hamlet. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, W. Charles Shelton, an infant daughter, Carla Shelton, a son, Steven Shelton and brothers, Ed Dawkins and Kenneth Dawkins.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Tommy Shelton (Teresa) and Lee Shelton (Michelle); grandchildren, Cliff Shelton, Heather Brooks, Destiny Martin, Carlos Shelton, Rebecca Shelton, Danielle Carmichael, Anna Shelton, Bryson Byrnes, Christian Shelton, Luke Shelton and Emily Shelton; great-grandchildren, Egan Brooks, Elsie Brooks and Mason Shelton; brother, Pearson Dawkins, Jr.; sister, Cheryl Lampley and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Darcy Knight officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Ellerbe Cemetery following the service. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Zion United Methodist Church. 

Memorials may be made to Zion United Methodist Church, 123 Zion Church Rd, Rockingham, NC 28379. 

When you lived your life for others and you loved without condition, 

When you made so many laugh and your smile will not be forgotten,

When you left behind an empty place, that no one else can fill,

When the friendships that you shared long to be renewed,

When you built your life on hope, and fulfilled it every day.

The footprints that you left behind will bring us face to face, 

So goodbye is not forever, you're only steps away.