Early B. (Owens) Shelton

Mrs. Early B. (Owens) Shelton was born on October 18, 1924 in Oxford, Mississippi to Creasie Patton and Dell Owens, Sr. She completed her early education in Oxford. In 1942 she moved to South Bend, Indiana and lived with her sister, Artisha.

She completed school in South Bend and was student of Central High School. She attended Vogue Beauty College in Mishawaka, Indiana and graduated from the former Dimple Patterson Beauty College in Chicago, Illinois in 1946.

In 1948 she met the love of her life, the late Hobert Shelton, Sr. She said he spotted her on the church ground of Greater St. John M.B. Church, were she was a member. Hobert said to her, “hey foxy lady, would you do me the honor of letting me make you happy for the rest of my life?” That was the beginning of their courtship. After dating him for a while she went home with him to meet his family and was introduced to his five year old son and three year old daughter. Hobert and Early were united in holy matrimony on June 24, 1950.

Early owned and operated her own beauty shops for over 40 years. Her shops were located on Huey Street, Rush Street and the final one on Lafayette Street. When Early did your hair you got more than a beautiful and lasting hair-do. She served a glass of tea or juice and she gave many young girls advice on poise, charm and the importance of always being a lady. She took pride in her work and always made sure her clients were happy with their hair.

When Early wanted to do something different she struck out to find a job. She met Carol and Robert O’Conner and family and worked for them domestically. She helped to raise their 10 children: Kathryn, Sue, Robert, Riley, Maureen, Jean, Joan, John, Ann and Kevin.

Early was a great cook and spent a great deal of time catering for special events and parties. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family as well. Her dinner table was always adorned with classy tablecloths and place settings. She had a special passion for fishing and she and her husband had several John boats and a pontoon.

Early was talented and highly regarded. In addition to cooking and fishing she was also a skillful seamstress. She made dresses for her family and close friends. In her lifetime she won many awards including being crowned Miss South Bend in 1944. She also won several cooking and fishing awards.

Early retired at the age of 76 and moved to Decatur, Michigan on Finch Lake where she lived for the remainder of her life. On Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 11:00PM at the age of 98 her life on earth came to an end.

Those left to cherish her loving memory include one brother, Dell Owens, Jr.; a special nephew Corneilus Lottie; the O’Connor family, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and church friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Hubert and James Owens; five sisters, Artisha (Adele) Newbill, Myra Owens, Louise (Hartie) Blake, Edna “Dolly” Cobb and Oleavia Lottie and one stepsister Christine (Jake) Garth.

Early expressed her love and appreciation for the O’Conner family; she greatly appreciated them for treating her as part of their family. She also thanked Ray and Marilou Staples for their dear friend- ship over the years and for being caretakers for her and Hobert. In addition she expressed a special thanks to Michael and Jackie Woody and Kelli Reid and family for all they have done. She also thanks the Darby family and grandkids for spending time and taking her out on the pontoon and Marcellus United Methodist Church where she served on the Usher Board with Pastor John Messner.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Palmer Funeral Homes- West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN. Friends and family may pay their respects one hour prior to the service.

Posted online on May 02, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

05/04/2023 EJS