Shelby E. Burton

Shelby Jean Earhart Burton, 84, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Royal Care at Birch Ridge Assisted Living in Staunton.

She was born on August 17, 1940, in Spottswood to the late Carl Edward and Nancy Odessa Earhart.

For over twenty years, Shelby served as a bank teller at First Federal Savings and Loan, which later transitioned into CorEast. After her time in banking, she transitioned into social services, where she spent seven years assisting individuals with Medicaid qualifications.

Shelby’s life was deeply rooted in her faith. She grew up attending Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church and later became an active member of New Covenant Church in Greenville.

Outside of her professional and spiritual commitments, Shelby took great joy in tending to her flower gardens. Known for her caring nature, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to others, embodying a servant's heart that endeared her to friends and family.

Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, instilling love and kindness in their lives.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Llewellyn Burton Gibson, and her husband, Tom; her stepdaughter, Suzanne Burton Collier, and her husband, Warren; her brother, James Winston Earhart; her grandchildren, Kemper, and his wife, Mandy and Kayla Gibson Hostetter, and her husband, Sonny; her great-grandchildren, Rowen Hostetter, Lila and Liam Gibson; and her two dogs, Goldie and Angel.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Llewellyn Kemper Burton, Jr.; her siblings, Paul Hamilton Earhart, Barbara “Bobbie” Alice Earhart, and an infant sister.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home with Reverend John Craft officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM.

A graveside service will follow at Mt. Carmel in Steeles Tavern.

Active pallbearers will be Kemper Gibson, Tom Gibson, Sonny Hostetter, and Walter Wade.

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939).