It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lee Anne Shelton Lequick on January 13, 2025, at the age of 42. Gone far too soon, Lee Anne's bright spirit and boundless energy touched everyone she met. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Drew, and their two cherished children, Alton and Leah. She is also survived by her grandmother, Leta White Shelton; father, Paul Shelton Sr. (Sharyl); brother, Paul Shelton Jr. (Mara), nephews, Benjamin (Olivia), Xander, and Reilly Shelton; her sister, Amanda Crabb (Aaron) Robbie, Lizzie; step-sister, Laura Campbell (Charles), Max, Lucy, Allie; cousin, Joseph M. Norris; father and mother in law Joe and Eileen Lequick; brother in law, Mathew Lequick (Rikke), Rita and Ruby; sister in law Kellsey Wall (Charles), and a large extended family mourn her loss.
Lee Anne was predeceased by her beloved mother, Mary Anne Kerr Shelton and her uncle Glen R Shelton.
From the very beginning, Lee Anne was a lifelong learner. She started her education at LC Kerr Elementary School and graduated from Abingdon High School in 2000. Her drive for learning took her to Radford University, where she earned a double major in Political Science and Spanish in 2004. Overcoming her fears to explore the world, Lee Anne spent two semesters studying abroad in Spain and Mexico, experiences that shaped her perspective on life.
While at Radford, Lee Anne dedicated herself to service by joining the Army National Guard. For six years, she served as a Supply Sergeant and a member of the Army Band. After her military service, she transitioned to the pharmacy automation industry, helping teach military personnel to more effectively manage pharmacies. But Lee Anne's entrepreneurial spirit couldn't be contained—she developed, launched, and ran successful businesses before finally fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom. Even then, she didn't stop. Lee Anne went on to establish and run Hopping Frogs Forest School with her cousin Anna Shelton, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lee Anne had a deep love for theater. Whether directing or performing, she poured her heart into more than 20 productions at local theaters, including the Sampson Community Theatre, Granville Little Theatre, and Henderson Rec Players. Theater wasn't just an interest for Lee Anne—it was a calling.
Lee Anne's faith was an anchor throughout her life. She was baptized in 1982 at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church in Clinton, and she proudly carried her Christian values into everything she did. Her life was a testament to kindness, service, and perseverance.
A woman of many talents, Lee Anne's accomplishments were remarkable: she earned a black belt in Kenpo at just 12 years old, taught karate and marksmanship, and was a member of the NC Pistol Team. She also excelled academically, earning membership in the Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity. Whether teaching students from preschool to high school or developing training programs, Lee Anne's passion for education was evident.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 11:00 AM at Oxford Presbyterian Church, 121 Gilliam Street, followed by a reception and family visitation in the fellowship hall. Lee Anne will be laid to rest privately. To view the service virtually, please use this link https://www.facebook.com/Oxford-Presbyterian-Church-152011345379561/
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Mary Anne and Lee Anne Endowment for the Arts, a charitable cause close to Lee Anne's heart. They may be made at https://www.malaforarts.org/
Lee Anne's life was a tapestry of love, service, learning, and creativity. Though she left us too soon, her legacy lives on in her family, her students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory continue to inspire us all.
Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.