Ann Anderson Roess Shelton

Ann Anderson Roess Shelton, widow of attorney Hugh Todd Shelton, Jr., died peacefully at her residence in Culleoka, Monday 19, 2008. The family will visit with friends Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols concluding with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Maury County Animal Shelter Association, 1233 Mapleash Avenue, Columbia 38401 or SOCM (Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment, a non-profit organization for social, environmental and economic justice), P. O. Box 479, Lake City, TN 37769. Ann Anderson Roess was born April 14, 1922 in Jacksonville, Florida. Her mother was Mary Pattillo Anderson Roess and her father was Martin John Roess, a prominent and respected land-conservationist. She earned a degree in Sociology from Duke University and graduated in 1943, with highest honors. That same year she met and married Hugh Todd Shelton, Jr. of Columbia, a Lt. Col. in the U. S. Army-Air Corps, stationed in Florida. After 5 years, they returned to Columbia so he could join his father's law practice, which became Shelton & Shelton. She reared four children and numerous pets; volunteered at Maury Regional Hospital, was a member of The Quaestio Club, Garden Club, James K. Polk Association, and Board of Trustees of Rose Hill Endowment Association. Mrs. Shelton was active in the affairs of First Presbyterian Church for many years and was a former Deacon. She loved fishing with her husband at their camp at Peter's Landing on the Tennessee River. She loved languages and singing, and she was singing until the end! An inveterate joker with a sharp wit, she was a great giver of giggles. Ann Shelton was an accomplished poet and wrote movingly about nature, the animals she loved, the quirkiness of human beings, and the nature of faith. Her integrity and kindness could be counted upon. Survivors include her children, Patti Shelton Dale of Oxford, England, Todd Shelton of Knoxville, Mary Shelton Myatt of Liberty, and Leslie Shelton of Culleoka; four grandchildren, Lara Ann Griffiths, Peter John Dale, Kate Shelton, and Josh Shelton; three great-grandchildren, Kris John Griffiths, Lesley-Ann Larissa Griffiths, and John Alexander Dale. She also leaves behind her dear companion and loyal friend, "Pee Wee."