Paulette Shelton, born on April 30, 1957, in Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of March 18, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and strength.  Paulette grew up in Texas and graduated from Deer Park High School in 1975 before beginning a lifelong career in public service. She worked in accounting for the Houston Fire Department until her family relocated to Galveston in 1984. In Galveston, she became an integral part of the Gulf Coast Center MHMR, serving as the head of transportation. Her passion for helping others led her to a distinguished career with the State of Texas working for Fort Bend County in Sugarland, where she ultimately rose to a leadership role in the transportation department. Paulette retired in 2019 after years of dedication, leaving an enduring impact on her colleagues and the community she served.  Beyond her professional achievements, Paulette was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph Isaiah Maxted, as well as her sister, Jan Shelton, and brother, Paul Shelton and her parents Albert Joseph and Eunice Gertrude Grunenwald Shelton. She is survived by her children, Karey Elaine Maxted and Luke Wayne Shelton; her cherished grandchildren, Blake and Chase Pipkin, Matthew and Tyler Reed, and Adonai, Zion, and Kai’i Shelton, Marayah, Daelan, and Sabrena Thomson, and her precious great-grandchildren, Harley Sulser, Olivia Pipkin, Athena Faye Reed and McKinley Valdez. Paulette was the loving daughter of Albert Joseph Shelton and Eunice Gertrude Grunenwald Shelton. She also leaves behind her special friend, Norma, whose companionship brought her great joy.

Paulette found joy in the simple things—living by the water, embracing nature, and sharing her famous Indian fry bread with family and friends. She loved the country and she loved people. Her love for country music led her to her love of dance halls which she frequented any time she could even by horseback. If the doors were open at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo you would usually find her there. She loved road trips and traveling and was eager always to plan her next adventure. Her kindness, wisdom, and love will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for their compassionate care during Paulette’s final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Paulette’s honor on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Eckols Funeral Home, 420 West Live Oak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119. Visitation and slideshow will begin at 1pm.  Interment will folow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy,TX.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.