Gladys Calhoun Shelton, 100, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Carlisle Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Gladys Shelton was born on October 2, 1925 in Edgecombe County to Kelly and Effie Calhoun. She was one of nine siblings; 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Her brothers were Leon, Marvin, Dempsey, and Cecil. Her sisters were Mae, Ruby, Evelyn, and Ella.

Gladys Calhoun graduated from West Edgecombe High School in 1942. While at West Edgecombe, she played and started all four years in basketball and was a team captain. It was said that she was an outstanding player and received all tournament honors. After graduation from West Edgecombe, she took various courses and received a certification in Business.

In January 1945, Gladys Calhoun married the love of her life, P.G. Shelton, Jr. Their union was blessed with three children, two sons, Gray Shelton (spouse, Kathy Skinner), Marvin Shelton (spouse, Donna Lewter), and one daughter, Sandra Shelton (spouse, Gerald Langley, deceased). Gladys and P.G. Shelton Jr. were happily married nearly 28 years before P.G. passed away. Gladys was blessed with 5 grandchildren; P.G. IV (spouse, Vallere), Leann Shelton (spouse, Carter Harrell), Kelly Shelton (spouse, Jennifer), Alex Langley (spouse, Jessie) and Shelton Langley (spouse, Mary). Unfortunately, P.G. did not live to see any of his grandchildren. In addition, Gladys was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Ian, Zollie, Ceirdwyn, Eowyn, Micah and Rohan Shelton, Caroline and Cameran Harrell, Olivia Langley and Mason Langley, Lennox Langley and Lyllian Langley, and the newest arrival, Lexi Shelton.

Gladys Shelton worked in Edgecombe County Government for 50 years; beginning in the Tax Supervisor's Office in 1946. From 1946-1980, she either served in the Tax Supervisor's Office or the County Manager's Office. In 1980, she was elected as Edgecombe County Register's Deeds and served in that position until her retirement in 1996.

During her career, Gladys served in many leadership positions and received numerous awards. While serving as Edgecombe County Register of Deeds, she served as President of the NC Register of Deeds. Gladys Shelton served numerous leadership positions in many civic organizations. She served as President of the Edgecombe County Democratic Women. She also held the position of Parliamentarian of the Edgecombe County Women's Club. She served in all officer positions in the Tarboro Pilot Club eventually serving as the President of the Tarboro Pilot Club. In addition, Gladys served on the Board of Trustees for Edgecombe Community College for several years. Until her passing, she actively participated in Edgecombe County Garden Club and the LEO's from Calvary Episcopal Church. In addition, she continued to serve on the Student Council Scholarship Committee and as a board member on the Office for Aging for Edgecombe County until her death. Other civic activities that she served on were the Edgecombe County Heart Fund and the Edgecombe County Cancer Fund. She was a longtime member of Calvary Episcopal Church and also frequently attended McKendree Methodist Church.

Gladys Shelton was recognized for her distinguished services in numerous organizations and services in county government. She received an honorary resolution from the Edgecombe County Democratic Party for her many years of service and contributions. She received the "Work Horse Award" from the Tarboro Pilot Club. Her outstanding contributions in county government earned her the "Distinguished Women's Award" for the state of North Carolina. She also received one of the highest honors one can receive when she was honored by Governor Roy Cooper and presented the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine."

Gladys Shelton was loved by her family and friends; she touched and blessed so many lives. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.