WEST FRANKFORT - Nancy (Burnett) Shelton, passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her. She was a tender-hearted, gentle person who endeared herself to everyone she met. To know her was to love her wholeheartedly, precisely the way she loved everyone around her.
Her sister Linda nicknamed her "Who Cares and Whatever" because of her easy-going nature, a youthful-spirited beauty who seldom complained and was always game for memorable times with her family and friends.
Born June 24, 1947, in Marion, Nancy spent the majority of her life in her hometown of West Frankfort.
She shared an extraordinary bond with her twin daughters, Caprise and Denise, and she loved attending her grandchildren' and nephews' performances and sporting events. In turn, the grandchildren spent innumerable weekends cuddled with her on the couch watching movies or playing games, and they loved "campouts" in Grandma's backyard. As her parents grew older, Nancy, always prepared to give sacrificially, became their primary caregiver.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Caprise Gardner (John); sisters, Peggy Pierce and Mary Blye Kramer (Bob); five grandchildren, Megan, Carma, Sage, Misty and Caleb; 15 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Johnny, Joseph, Alex, Braydon, Nicholas, Steven, Marcus, Brylee, Bayleigh, Dean, Zayden, Dakota, Ruby and Ivy; one great-great-grandson, Jacob; and daughter-by-heart, Beth Thomas.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Grant; parents, Joe and Mig Burnett; brother, Larry Burnett; and sister, Linda Hutchcraft.
A celebration of life will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the West Frankfort City Park, Shelter 2 (behind the aquatic center). Food and drinks, special music, and tributes from the family will be offered. All friends and family are invited to attend, and special treats will be available for the children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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