Shirley Webster Sheldon

Shirley Webster Sheldon, 94, died peacefully at home on Oct. 7, surrounded by family and friends. Daughter of the late Dr. Raymond L. and Elsie Graves Webster, she is survived by her husband, Irving C. Sheldon, and children, Dorcas, Irving Jr., Forrest and Roberts.
A prolific painter and sculptor, Shirl will be remembered for the vivid imagination and creativity she brought to all her endeavors. Her watercolors were often of familiar South County scenes. Many of her sculptures included driftwood or other things she found. She was also well known for her flower arrangements. For many years she taught art at Rocky Hill School. After suffering a debilitating stroke 17 years ago, her painting continued. Her eye for beauty in all things, and her great courage, were gifts that she passed onto her children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Throughout her long life in Saunderstown, she was devoted to her many friends and to the Chapel of St. John the Divine. She was a longtime member of the South County Garden Club and the South County Art Association. An enthusiastic tennis player, she also loved to sail. She and her husband cruised the coast from the Bahamas to New Brunswick, where she painted and collected supplies for her creations.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 28, 2017 at The Chapel of St. John the Divine, in Saunderstown at 11 a.m. A reception will be held following at The Towers in Narragansett.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Chapel of St. John the Divine in Saunderstown and the National Stroke Association.