Evangeline Deal Shelton

Evangeline "Vangie" Deal Shelton, 80, passed away on March 22, 2020. Vangie was a dynamic, vibrant woman who was deeply loved by her parents, husband, daughters, grandchildren, and friends. Born to Reverend William Sanford Deal and Myrna Allen Deal on January 2, 1940 in Durham, North Carolina, Vangie was an adored and doted on only child. She grew up in the Wesleyan Church where her father was a superintendent and an evangelist, and her mother was an ordained elder and school teacher. Vangie's early life revolved around the church, ministry, and music. An eager and dedicated student, Vangie graduated from Point Loma College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. In 1967, she earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from California State University at Los Angeles. Vangie spent 10 years teaching at Longfellow Elementary in the Pasadena School District. As the call back to ministry became stronger, Vangie transitioned from the classroom and into music ministry. At Arrow Highway Wesleyan Church in Covina, California and then First Wesleyan Church in High Point North Carolina, Vangie led her beloved music groups which included: The Arrow Highway Singers, Bel Canto and Christian Edition. Both Vangie and Larry remembered these times as some of the fondest of their lives. They were surrounded by faith, family, and dear friends. Music ministry then gave way to children and family ministries for Vangie. This was a perfect integration of her ministry calling and love of education. Vangie sought to serve children through high quality programs, educating parents about child development, and creating supportive communities in which families thrived. She was a gifted teacher who brought her subject matter to life through humor, vulnerability, and honesty. Vangie felt fortunate to have been on staff at First Free Methodist Church in Seattle, WA, Eastside Foursquare Church in Kirkland, WA, and as a course instructor at Seattle Pacific University. Vangie married her lifetime partner, R. Larry Shelton, on August 25, 1967 in Glendora, California. Uniquely, they had the opportunity to work together in ministry many times throughout their careers. Together they had two daughters, Annalisa and Alison, who remember their mom as someone who strived to make the everyday things in life special. Vangie brought celebration wherever she went. She was thoughtful and reflective about her loved ones, writing poetry about them and always having an encouraging scripture to share. Vangie will also be remembered for her love of chocolate, Nordstrom's, and high heels. Her grandchildren will remember her as spoiling them every chance she got. Forever a teacher at heart, Vangie always had a bear hug and an art project waiting for them. While firm and structured with her own children, Vangie left no rule unbroken with her grandkids. They could sit on the "fancy" furniture, put stickers on her beloved piano's keys, and were taken on frequent toy shopping sprees! Vangie's larger than life personality and compassionate heart will be greatly missed by our family. She was courageous and vulnerable, a musician and a poet, a loving wife, mother, and daughter. Vangie was deeply spiritual and loved Jesus wholeheartedly. Her desire was to bring others into a relationship with him through the telling of her own story and building insight through education. She was one of a kind. Throughout her life, Vangie openly shared her struggles with physical and mental health issues. She freely shared her story of living with bipolar disorder in hopes of normalizing it for others. Our family wishes to acknowledge her outstanding care team which includes Dr. Metzger and Dr. Rivera at The Vancouver Clinic as well as many others which cared for her over the decades. We truly appreciate their care and expertise. Evangeline Deal Shelton is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, R. Larry Shelton, and her parents William and Myrna Deal. Vangie is survived by her daughters Annalisa and Alison, her sons-in-law Martin and Dima, and her grandchildren Kolya, Sasha, Kaia, and Caden. A family interment was held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery on March 28, 2020. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, a memorial service will be planned in the future.

Evangeline Deal Shelton

January 2, 1940 - March 22, 2020