Norma Jean Shelton

Norma Jean (Sadler) Shelton, known to many as “Nanny,” of Beggs, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on April 18, 2026, at the age of 95, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Norma was born on February 14, 1931, in Beggs, Oklahoma, to Dolphus Marion and Iva Marie (Zeller) Sadler. She was raised in Beggs, where she began a lifelong example of hard work and service at just 14 years old. She worked at Beggs Cleaners, where she became known for her perfectly crisp ironing and later at the Beggs Drive-In. She eventually retired from Beggs Public Schools, where she served as a cook for many years, caring for generations of students. While working as a waitress at Highway Café in Beggs, Oklahoma, she turned her head to find a young man walking through the doors. Immediately, Norma turned to her uncle Claydean and said “I’m gonna marry that man,” to which she did. On February 12, 1955, Norma married Paul Harry Shelton at the Edna School. Together, they built a life in Beggs centered on faith, family and community. From an early age, Norma perfected her craft in the kitchen, using cooking and baking as her love language. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where she faithfully hosted Sunday lunches after church for many years. Known for her love of purple, painted rocks, generous spirit and kind heart, Norma made sure no one ever left her home hungry or without feeling loved. Norma’s favorite hobbies included running around with her family, cooking, canning and gardening. She shared her love through fresh-baked bread, chocolate zucchini cake and lemon cookies—treats that became treasured traditions among her family and friends. In the garden, she found joy in snapping beans, shelling peas and cutting corn. More than anything, Norma was a devoted and loving “Nanny,” fiercely loving her family and deeply loved in return. She cherished her relationship with her Lord and Savior and was a faithful member of Nuyaka Baptist Church in Nuyaka, Oklahoma. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Harry Shelton; her father, Dolphus Marion Sadler; her mother, Iva Marie Sadler; her brothers, Ronald Sadler, Donald Sadler, and Henry Sadler; and her son-in-law, Larry Story. She is survived by her four children, SuzAnne Dunlap, Trish Story, Peggy Steele and Mike Shelton as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Virginia Boak, Edith Parham, Helen Roe, Ruby Gill, Luther Sadler, Jim Sadler, Linda Stalnaker and Larry Sadler. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Beggs. Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Beggs Cemetery, with Pastor Chad Eads and Pastor John Russel officiating. Norma will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love, her servant’s heart, and her signature farewell — “Love ya!” Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs, Oklahoma. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Norma's Tribute Page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com

Norma Jean Shelton

February 14, 1931 - April 18, 2026