Stephen Lester Shelton

Stephen Lester Shelton was a man of God. He was faithful and bold in declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ until his very last breath. Stephen passed from this life Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by his family after a short, but difficult battle with cancer. He is now without pain, at peace, and is worshiping his Savior forevermore.

Stephen was born March 5, 1972, in Birmingham, Alabama to Autrey Brooks (“A.B.”) Shelton and Audrey Olivia Shelton. He was a 1990 graduate of Cathedral Christian High School, a 1994 graduate of Samford University with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Church Recreation), a 1999 graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Christian Education, and a 2010 graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Educational Ministry.

Stephen worked at Liberty Park Baptist Church from 1994 -2012, first as Youth Minister, and later as Minister of Education. Throughout his time in ministry, he led and participated in dozens of mission trips around the world to Romania, Russia, Honduras, Panama, Guatemala, Bolivia, Brazil, India, Ecuador, and Peru. He served for many years as a church planter with e3 Partners Ministry, with a particular focus on South America and Brazil.

Stephen joined Serving You Ministry in 2014 and served there until his death. Throughout his tenure, he established the mission of “Serving Him by Serving You.” He consistently prioritized the needs of others and genuinely cared for everyone who visited the organization, regardless of whether they were volunteers or neighbors.

In his spare time, Stephen was a football referee, a bus driver for Trussville City Schools, a restorer of antique furniture, and a BBQ and food enthusiast. He loved spending time at Smtih Lake in the Summer and driving his boat. But most of all, he loved spending time with his loving wife of 30 years, Lora, and his family.

Stephen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He always knew when to crack the right joke or when to encourage. He pushed everyone in his life to know the Lord and to abide in Him.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Olivia Dobbins Shelton, grandparents Lester and Etta Shelton, and grandparents Oscar Calhoun (“O.C.”) and Audrey Dobbins.

Survivors include his wife, Lora Rhnee Shelton; three children, Harrison Shelton (Savannah), Nathan Shelton, and Andrew Shelton; his precious granddaughter, Alice Brooks Shelton; his father, A.B. Shelton (Elaine); sister, Melinda Shelton; brother, Michael Shelton (Dianne); his in-laws, Donald (June) May and a host of extended family, dear friends, and co-workers who will miss him greatly.

Pallbearers include Michael Jones, John Tidwell, Tommy Coshatt, Bryan Eads, Brian Zimmerman, John Gibson, Sid Golden, and Nate French.

The family would like to extend their gratitude towards Stephen’s close friends and the people that have loved, supported, and prayed for him.

In honor of Stephen, we invite you to make a memorial contribution to Serving You Ministry at https://www.servingyou.org/donate. Flowers are also welcome.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 11:00 A.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. at NorthPark Baptist Church with Dr. Stephen Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.