Sandra Jo (Kirkland) Shelton, 89, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025. Despite suffering a stroke and dealing with other health issues, she maintained her smile, love, sense of humor and “sassy” nickname and personality.
Sandra was born in McLennan County, Texas on November 1, 1935, to William Wilson Kirkland and Bootsie Lester Kirkland. She attended Axtell Public Schools where she graduated as Valedictorian in 1953. She attended North Texas State University, graduating with a degree in Home Economics.
Her first job after college was as the County Home Demonstration Agent in Eastland, Texas. In December 1958, Sandra married Carrol R. Shelton, who was working as a high school teacher and Eastland’s head football coach. While in Eastland, their son, Clinton Douglas was born in March of 1961.
They moved to McKinney, Texas in 1963, where their daughter, Carole Lynn was born in April of that same year.
Sandra became involved in many aspects of the community. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, McKinney for over 55 years, serving on various committees and teaching Sunday school. She loved her Lord and her church and was honored to serve others through its ministries.
Sandra taught school, was a business owner (McKinney Dry Goods), and worked as a bookkeeper for Shelton Grain Company, a business which she and her husband owned for many years. After retiring, in addition to enjoying her hobbies and family, she worked as a volunteer at Finch Elementary school, helping in classrooms and reading with students.
Sandra was a member of the Owl Club and was the longest active member of the club, 58 years. She also enjoyed being involved in bridge club and volunteering as a homeroom mom for her children’s classes.
She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener, and an even better friend.
Due to health issues, Sandra moved from McKinney to Granbury in 2019 to be near family. She brought her love and warmth to new friendships there.
Sandra wore many hats and served various roles during her life, but her favorite role was being Sassy and GranSassy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Carole L. Rummage and husband Paul of Granbury, Texas; grandchildren, C.J. Shelton of Dallas, Texas, Colby Shelton and wife Kristen of Denton, Texas, Caleb Shelton and wife Brittney of Melissa, Texas, Ben Rummage and wife Allison of Dallas, Texas, and Holly (Rummage) Humphrey and husband Drew of Waco, Texas; daughter-in-love, Karen Shelton and husband Mark Edwards of Melissa, Texas; brother, Bill Kirkland and wife Kay of Temple, Texas; great grandchildren, Ember, Nylah, Rylan, and Parker Humphrey, and Cooper Shelton, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Martha Weempe; her husband, Carrol Shelton; her son, Clint D. Shelton; and her granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Rummage.
A private family burial will be held, followed by a memorial service at noon, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/sandra-jo-kirkland-shelton. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to In Sight Ministries, P.O. Box 3254, Bartlesville, OK 74006 www.insight-ministries.org or to Texans on Mission (formerly Texas Baptist Men) at www.texansonmission.org.
We are grateful for the example of love, faithfulness, and grace that Sandra modeled for us during the most difficult of losses in her life. We know that the reunions in heaven will be sweet.