Shelton Levonza Zollicoffer

Shelton Levonza Zollicoffer was born on February 9, 1953 and transitioned on June 28, 2021.  Born to the late Grace and Carroll Zollicoffer, he was the fourth of nine children.  He was born and grew up in Newsoms Virginia, and moved to Virginia Beach at the age of 17.  After attending Riverview High School in Southampton County, Virginia, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.  Shelton worked professionally as a security guard and was self-employed as a painter for many years.   

As a member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, he served in the Chancellor Choir and the Male Chorus. Church and Christian fellowship were very important parts of Shelton’s life.  He was a man of God and he always found a Church home wherever he lived.   He was loved and lovable.

Shelton had many God-given gifts and talents.   He never met a stranger.   He remembered everyone and never forgot a name.  In fact, his memory was so good, that family had to confirm dates, times, and people including events that were in the distant past with Shelton.  When in doubt, we always said, “Ask Shelton.”  Shelton always had a way of making you feel better when in his presence.  He told jokes to make you laugh, a compliment so that you felt special about yourself, a religious verse, or spiritual saying to uplift your spirit.  He was simply a fun person to be around and was the master of his own fate; he did what he wanted to do without any regrets.    

Shelton had a very special relationship with his nieces and nephews, and other young people in the family who loved hanging out with him; they affectionately called him “Uncle Shag.”   If you knew him, you knew how non-judgmental, patient and supportive he was.  This, along with being a good listener, compassionate, a fun person, and a person who wanted the best for others made him a good friend to many.

He grew up with a love for adventure.   As a child, he was the one to wander off and find a new friend.  This sense of adventure continued into adulthood.  Shelton loved traveling and was blessed to have visited many places with his partner, Linda.  He loved the cruises and other places they visited within and outside of the United States. He was quite the entertainer and liked being entertained including spending time at the casino. At a typical family event, he would perform, Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” and Otis Redding’s, “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” and spirituals (e.g., “Highway to Heaven” and the “Blood will never lose its Power“).

Shelton leaves to cherish his memory many relatives and special friends.  These include his children, Joshua Zollicoffer and Shay Johnson, and his partner, of 18 years, Geraldine Linda Parks.  His daughter, Monica preceded him in death.   He leaves behind four brothers and four sisters:  Carroll E. Zollicoffer (Joyce), Corrine Wilson (John), Faye Belgrave, Ronald Zollicoffer, Francine Zollicoffer, Dennis Zollicoffer (Juaria), Dexter Zollicoffer, and Donna Jordan (Brian), and two grandchildren Joshua, Jr. and Helena Zollicoffer.  Many others mourn his passing including his partner’s grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who felt like his family.  We are forever grateful for the special relationships we had with him.   

As Shelton would say in departing, “Peace, Love, and Happiness to All.”