Joyce Bourdon Shelton 1938-2026
Elizabeth Joyce
Bourdon Shelton was born April 14, 1938, in Houston, Texas and passed away on September
18,2026 in Tampa, Florida. She was proceeded in death by her
husband Jack Shelton.
She leaves behind daughter Emily Shelton Fletty, her husband, Dean Fletty and
their children James, Justin and Haley. She also leaves behind her son Thomas
Shelton and his children Nathan and Samantha Shelton and Samantha's daughter,
Emma.
A celebration of life will be held for her on October 24th, 2026 at her
Granny's Bay house in Kemah, Texas. If you knew Joyce, you know this
was her favorite place in the world.
She loved the water and the serenity to be found at the Bay house but most of
all she loved the family.
She was raised as the youngest of three in Houston, Texas and attended Lamar High School and then the University of
Texas, Austin. She graduated and became a middle school English teacher and met
Jack, who was earning his PhD from Rice University. They married in 1963.
They were transferred to Tulsa, OK and Joyce went back to school to study
Fine Art at the University of Tulsa where she received a BFA.
She spent the rest of her life making art. She explored several mediums and had
her work shown in numerous shows and galleries, including regularly appearing
in the American Art Collector.
She was a huge presence in her children's and grandchildren's lives.
She made so many wonderful friends through her art and through her generosity
of spirit. She always had a smile and a kind word for anyone she came across.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
