Mary Sheldon

Mary Jon (Johnson) Sheldon, 91, of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice, surrounded by family. She was born November 23, 1925 in Oklahoma City, OK, to Hayes Andrew and Minnie Kate (Guthrie) Johnson. She married Dr. Wilmer G. "Bill" Sheldon on February 9, 1951. Mary Jon graduated from Capital Hill High School in 1942 and from the University of Oklahoma in 1947, after which she worked as a high school biology teacher. She then attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota where she obtained a Masters degree in psychology, during which time and after she worked as an adult counselor. She was a passionate musician and a talented flautist, and began playing with the Oklahoma City Symphony while still in junior high school. Throughout her life, Mary Jon was a very active volunteer for her community. She served on many councils and boards, and worked with numerous local and national organizations. The issues of mental health, child welfare, education, and perpetuation of the arts were especially important to her. She became a member of Sequoyah United Methodist church in 1985, where she founded the church's bell choir, in addition to serving on numerous committees and participating in charitable activities. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years; and one son, Kerry Eugene "Sam" Sheldon. She is survived by son Jim Sheldon, daughters Rebecca Jon Lingelbach and husband Dick, Shannon Kathleen Wright and husband Richard; grandchildren Mason Shoemaker, Jessica Shoemaker, Melissa Guthrie and husband Kevin, Jason Meadows, Kathleen Sheldon, Christine Nock and husband Zac, Robbie Wright, Billy Wright and Shelby Ridley; great-grandchildren Michael Alameda, Emy Shoemaker, Savannah Shoemaker and Vincent Guthrie; and great-great-granddaughter Violet Cartwright. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 8, at 2 P.M., at Sequoyah United Methodist Church. The family will hold a private graveside service. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com