Sandra Stokes Shelton

Sandra "Sandy" Stokes Shelton was born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 18, 1940. She was the youngest child of Herman Earl and Ida Mae Simms Stokes. Sandra embodied strength and resilience, leaving a lasting legacy among the women in her family. A long line of strong women begins with Sandra. 

Sandy was a first-generation college graduate from Virginia State University with a degree in Music Education. She met Emerson Shelton at Virginia State, and they married in 1962. 

Sandy knew the true meaning of love, a gift she cherished deeply. Together, she and her husband built a beautiful life with their daughters, Deidra and Karen, whom Sandy loved more than words could express. She taught her daughters the importance of kindness, standing up for themselves, baking spoon bread, and, most importantly, loving Jesus. 

To know Sandy was to know her deep love for God. Devoted to her faith, she spent her career working with children and youth at the church, believing it was her calling to ensure everyone knew about Jesus. She started pre-schools, fine arts music academies, and youth choirs. She then ministered as a Christian Education Director for churches in the Midwest and the South for 30 years She was never afraid to share her faith with others. After retiring, Sandy embraced her role as a pastor’s wife, serving alongside Emerson at a four-church charge in Fluvanna, Virginia. 

In 2016, Sandy and Emerson joined Richmond’s First Baptist Church, where she continued her service as a Deacon, participated in Sunday School and Book Club, and sang in the choir. 

While leading the children’s and youth ministries, Sandy became a mentor and mother figure to many, maintaining these relationships until her final days. To those who knew her from the outside, Sandy was a well-polished, kind-hearted, and selfless lady who loved a church luncheon. To her family, she was all this and more—a matriarch whose significance cannot be overstated. After the passing of her mother and the early loss of her sister, Sandy stepped in as a mother figure to her nieces and nephew and played a significant role in raising her grandchildren. She frequently organized dinner parties, musical performances, and lunch dates, always recognizing the importance of community. 

Sandy’s home was always filled with music, thanks to her years of dedication to the violin and piano. She taught lessons to many, and her passion for music will live on through her students. 

Sandy's absence will be deeply felt by so many, as she touched countless lives both near and far. There are numerous special memories, both mentioned and unmentioned here, that her family holds dear. We are dedicated to honoring her legacy for generations to come. Those committed to carrying on her legacy include her daughters, Deidra (Shelton) Riggs and Karen Shelton Williams; her sons, Harry Riggs and Christopher Williams; her grandchildren, Jordan Riggs, Benson Wallace, Alexandra (Riggs) Wallace, Donovan Williams, and Kyla Williams; her great-grandson, Lawrence Wallace; her nieces, Rita Belle and Sheilah Belle; her nephew, Charles Belle; as well as her great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, cousins, friends, youth, students, and so many more. 

To know Sandy is to love her, and she was known by many. 

Mrs. Shelton's service will be held at 1:30pm on Thursday, September 12th, at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23220. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Richmond’s First Baptist Church and Vitas Hospice Care, 628 Hebron Ave Ste 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033.