Ora Shelton

FORT WORTH -- God called Natalie Carter Shelton home in the early morning of Wednesday, May 5, 2010. She had spent 87 years, 6 months and 13 days on God's good earth, being the loving, giving, caring person we all knew her to be. Service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Baptist Church. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lucas Funeral Home, 517 N. Sylvania. Born at home in Birdville on Oct. 30, 1922, Natalie loved school and was the valedictorian of her Carter-Riverside High School graduating class of 1940. After high school, she married the love of her life, Grady L. Carter Jr. Together, they had two sons and were looking forward to their lives together. World War II tragically separated these two young lovers far too early and as a war widow with babes in arms, Natalie began to pick up the pieces and start a new life. In the ensuing years she was the shining example of faith in God, integrity in the business world and responsible parent. She had a close personal relationship with God and her 73 years of membership at Riverside Baptist Church makes her its senior member. She was blessed to teach Sunday school to the senior women's group for some 38 years. The class was called The Joy Class. During her professional career, she was an independent insurance agent, owning and operating Grady Carter Insurance Agency for 20 years. Natalie was never one to be idle, so after her insurance career she became the executive director of Sales and Marketing International. During her tenure of 21 years, this organization of business executives gave her the opportunity to positively touch many lives and see many wonderful places. A few years ago she retired to a quite life with her church, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her friends and neighbors. As a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent and friend, she was the consummate example of love, courage, dignity, wisdom and a warm hug. She will be sorely missed. Natalie was predeceased by her husband, Grady Carter Jr.; her oldest son, Dr. Gary Carter; and her brother, Mack Edward Bailey. Survivors: Son, Dr. Grady Carter III and his wife (and Natalie's only daughter), Devvy. Her grandchildren, Jason Carter, Heather Carter Molin, Mason Carter and Christopher Carter, will miss her greatly. Natalie was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Jackson Molin, Ava Molin and Camryn Carter. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Dr. Richard Eugene Bailey; and multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ora Shelton please visit our Sympathy Store.