God sent his angels to usher our beloved, Joseph Leroy Shelton, home on Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Langhorne's residence with family in Goochland, Virginia.  Our beloved one is now rejoicing with the Lord and all of his family that made that spiritual journey before him. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Joe, the son of the late Charlie O. and Emma Shelton, was born in Mineral, Virginia on September 21, 1950. He was one of eighteen siblings.

Joe accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Rising Sun Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J. R. Tyler. Joe's favorite scripture was Psalms 23 . He loved music and played lead and bass guitar for the Shelton Five Gospel Singers for many years. He was a loving and caring person.

He attended Z. C. Morton Elementary School and furthered his education in Job Corps. After returning from Job Corp he worked various jobs. He was employed with Gray Coastal Trucking Company, Good Year Tire Company and Henrico County Public School system as a custodian.

Joe leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted son, Chris Coleman (Wendy) of Louisa; seven sisters: Sarah Smith (Meredith) of Goochand, Doris Tomes of Louisa, Louise Langhorne (Walter) of Goochland, Onedia Taylor (Henry) of Richmond, Marjorie Shelton (Tim) of Mineral, Joyce Shelton-Jones and Arlean Shelton of Richmond; five brothers: Vergie Shelton (Eva) of Mineral, Charlie Shelton Jr. (Gertrude) of Richmond, Henry Shelton of Richmond, David Shelton (Emma) of Alexandria, and George Shelton (Sharon) of Mineral; one sister-in-law, Josyln Shelton of Mineral; two grandchildren: Keona and Neisha; loving nieces; among them a devoted nurse, Melissa Jones; a devoted friend, ex-wife Renee; special friends, Farrer,Lewis Mickens and Charles Stewart and a host of nephews, cousins and other friends.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 864 Pendleton Road, Mineral, VA with the Reverend William House, III officiating.  Viewing will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 beginning at noon until 7 p.m.  On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, viewing will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.