Dr. Patricia Lynn Shelton

Dr. Patricia Lynn (Cook) Shelton, 79, of Melbourne, FL, passed away suddenly from a natural, unexpected medical event on September 1, 2026.

Dr. Pat Shelton is survived by her son Christopher K. Shelton and her daughter Elizabeth A. (Shelton) McKenzie and her cherished grandchildren, Tristan C. K. Shelton, Tara T. Shelton, Mayalynn A. McKenzie, and Caitlin J. Shelton; her brother, Ronald A. Cook, and his wife, Patricia J. Cook; and her niece, Sheri L. (Cook) Howell, along with her husband, Larry L. Howell, and their children, Trenton L. Howell and Braydon N. Howell. She also leaves behind an additional beloved circle of cousins and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, L. Donald Cook and Betty J. Cook, and daughter-in-law Barbara (Clark Borja) Shelton.

Deeply devoted to her family and friends, she lovingly and with vigor supported the dreams, goals, and ideas of her children and grandchildren. She also championed all animals and the preservation of nature. She treasured her role in supporting teachers and her colleagues who became friends at Brevard Public Schools. After retirement, she enjoyed bike riding in Suntree, walking her dogs, studying the Bible, participating in her book club group, and keeping up with her lifelong friendships in "The Sisters of 64".

Growing up in Marion, Ohio, Pat attended River Valley Schools and focused on education, family, and community. In childhood, she showed steers at the fair with the 4-H Club and grew up with a farm-life work ethic which served her well throughout her life. She attended undergraduate school at The Ohio State University. After graduation, she worked at National City Bank, where she met and later married C. Kelly Shelton. Together they began raising their two children, Chris and Beth, while Pat taught at Pleasant Schools and attended Bowling Green State University for her master’s degree in education, moving to Florida in 1979.

In Florida, she taught for three years at Coral Springs Christian School before moving to Brevard County. In her career at Brevard Public Schools, she taught at Palm Bay High School, becoming a reading specialist shortly before moving to the district to become a professional development specialist while she continued toward her doctoral degree in education, which she earned from the University of Central Florida in 1991. Throughout her career, she also shared her knowledge as a professor at several universities, including Nova Southeastern University, Rollins College, and the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

Serving with distinction as Director of Certification and Instructional Professional Development for BPS, Pat championed local, state, and national programs to reward educator excellence. Pat loved her career, peers, training and serving teachers. Making deep friendships within various district offices, schools, and across professional development offices, legendary teamwork emerged to support critical programs during her tenure, such as the BEST program, the Alternative Certification program, and the National Board Certified Teacher program, for which she was affectionately known as the “Grandmother of National Board Certification”, implementing the Sunshine State Standards, and assisting in winning the Governor's Sterling Award for BPS.

Pat’s vibrant spirit, her unwavering hope, and dedication to helping others will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and profound kindness that will never be forgotten.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all of Pat’s lifelong friends, colleagues, and neighbors who brought her so much joy over the years. She will be so deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing her love remains with us always.

She loved the grounding truth in Ephesians 2:8-9, as her faith steadied her life. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

For the official record, our incredibly courageous and loving Mighty Mouse of a mother and grandmother stood tall at 5'3.

We invite Florida friends of Pat to join us to celebrate her life at River Rocks on US1 in Rockledge, FL on Saturday, September 19th. Please stop in between the hours of 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to share stories and refreshments, honoring Pat.

For friends and family who may be able to join us for a celebration of life to honor Pat in Marion, Ohio, to share love, stories, fellowship, and refreshments - we ask you to reserve Saturday, October 24th. Exact details with the time and location in Marion will be updated soon.

Those who wish to donate in celebration of Pat's deep love for animals and nature may consider the local shelter or humane society, in her honor.

“We love you, Mom.”