Roberta Brookes Shelton

Roberta “Bird” Brodnax Brookes Shelton, 96, died at her home in Boydton, Virginia on January 6, 2026. Bird was born on September 24,1929, in Brooklyn, NY to John and Mary Brookes. She lived in Keysville, VA until her father died when she was 9 years old and she went to live with her grandmother Brookes in Richmond, VA. Her mother remarried and Bird returned to Keysville and lived with her mother and stepfather. She attended University of Richmond and was a dental assistant where she met a dashing young medical student, William A. Shelton. They were married on June 21,1952 and moved to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas while Dr. Shelton interned at Brooke Army Hospital finishing in 1953. The Shelton moved to Boydton in 1954 and together they started his medical practice with Bird as the office manager.


Throughout her life, Bird volunteered in numerous capacities to serve her community. She was involved in teaching 4-year-olds in Sunday School, active in the Methodist Women’s group, knitting and making items for church bazaars. She worked for years at Prestwould Plantation, helping in various roles. She was a loyal and welcoming friend and neighbor, extending kindness and hospitality whenever she learned of someone who might need her support. She was genuinely interested in learning the life story of everyone she met. Bird had a special love for animals, she had numerous pets all her life, horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, etc.


Those who knew Bird know that she was a strong woman of keen intelligence, wit, and candor. She was exceptionally bright, raising her children to believe they could pursue any path they chose. She was a serious and critical thinker, especially in the realms of education and politics. Bird cared deeply about social justice and imparted those values to her family.


Bird was preceded in death by Dr. William A. Shelton, her son, Dr. William “Bill” Shelton, her daughter, Beverley Brodnax Shelton Inloes. She is survived by two sons, John Brookes Shelton of Boydton and Richard Hamilton Shelton of Virginia Beach; a son-in- law, Doug Inloes; five grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

On Friday, January 16, 2026, there will be a luncheon in her honor at 12:00 noon, in the Fellowship Hall of Boydton Methodist Church, visitation will be in the Sanctuary at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Boydton Methodist Church in Boydton at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boydton Methodist Church, PP box 381, Boydton, VA 23917.