Known for her propensity to overstay her welcome, Lee Ann Shelton uncharacteristically left this world too soon. She was 53 years old.

Born May 31, 1971, to David and Jo Ann King of Oak Ridge, TN. She thrived with her charismatic and captivating personality, trying hard (or perhaps not so hard) to make room for her new baby sister, Amy Beth, who came into the family 3 years later.

As a self-described ’tomboy’ Lee Ann excelled at sports. She enjoyed playing on many teams (basketball, soccer, softball, tennis) most of which were sponsored by Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge. The neighborhood of Revere Circle was another spot for tomboy activities…riding bikes, kickball, exploring the woods, working a paper route, and bonding with Willow Brook classmates. Many life-long friendships began in that backyard.

Lee Ann graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1989 and the University of Tennessee in 1993. She later earned an Education Specialist degree (EdsS) from Lincoln Memorial University. Her teaching career began at the Oak Ridge Preschool in 2003 and has continued there for 20 years. Her dedication to shaping young minds as a passionate educator has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of countless students, leaving an indelible mark of positivity and knowledge that will continue to ripple through generations. Her end-of-the-year musical and graduation program was an epic show. The creativity and patience required to direct and choreograph a classroom of four-year-olds on the level of a Broadway musical was nothing short of miraculous. Yet, she made it look so easy.

Lee Ann totally loved her family…grandparents Henry and Rosetta King and John and Lois Farquharson, parents David and Jo Ann King, sister Amy Beth, brother-in-law Jay, and nephew Nathan Jay Ammons…many uncles, aunts, cousins, her mother-in-law Brenda Shelton, and most of all, her precious and beloved sons, Cade and Cannon Shelton. Lee Ann also loved her many friends, acquaintances, and colleagues, who will always remember her for her magnetic personality and her ability to light up any room she entered. A gathering to celebrate this special person is in the planning stages at this time. To honor the memory of Lee Ann (King) Shelton a memorial fund will be set up in her name with Girls Incorporated in Oak Ridge, so that her memory may continue to inspire many girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Lee Ann (King) Shelton Memorial Fund