Nancy Adelia McDowell Shelton

Nancy Adelia McDowell Shelton, of Vernon Hill, VA joined her dear husband Kenneth at Jesus’ feet on October 15, 2026. She was born to James Wilson and Mary Virginia Smith McDowell on July 26, 1936, in Peytonsburg, VA just over the Halifax County line. Nancy was proud to call Halifax County home, and she lived in the same house in the Rodden community for almost ninety years.

She was a proud farmer’s wife, devoted Mama and MaMa, active life-long member of County Line Baptist Church, and a retired Halifax County Public School teacher. She taught not only in the classroom, but at church as well. She was a Sunday School teacher, vacation Bible school volunteer, women’s missions group director, and a talented song leader. She was also an avid reader and bird lover.

Nancy’s love for her Lord, her family, and her home were obvious to all who knew her. Her strength was an inspiration. Hers was a life of faith, grace and humility.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Irvin Kenneth Shelton, a daughter, Kathy Diane Shelton, and a grandson, Evan Shelton Smith. She is survived by her daughter Karen Shelton Smith and husband Paul of Halifax, grandson Aaron Paul Smith (Emily), and bonus blessings Avery and Olivia Powell. Her sister Jean McDowell Jennings of Gretna also survives along with cherished cousins, nieces, a nephew and friends.

In Nancy’s memory, pick up a book and read, hang a hummingbird feeder or feed some birds this winter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Oak Level Volunteer Fire Department at 1101 Waltman Trail, Vernon Hill, VA 24597 or County Line Baptist Church in care of Sue Pearce at 13146 Chatham Rd., Java, VA 24565.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at County Line Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike McDowell officiating.

Family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the Celebration of Life service and other times at the home of Karen and Paul Smith at 3241 Cowford Rd., Halifax. (THERE WILL BE NO VISITATION AT THE FAMILY HOME in Vernon Hill)

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.