Phyllis Lee (Shelton) DeJarnette

Phyllis Lee DeJarnette, 80, cherished wife of Michael Edward DeJarnette for 27 years, peacefully passed away on Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey.

Phyllis was born on the evening of March 14, 1944, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Harden Lester Shelton, Sr. and Katherine Millner Shelton. Raised in Martinsville, she graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1961, where she played the snare drum in the band.

She moved to Washington, DC, to attend The Cortez W. Peters Business College, earning an Associate’s Degree. There, she met her first husband, Retired US Navy Captain Hurshel B. Burton, Jr. in 1963, with whom she had a daughter and a son.

In 1988, Phyllis met Michael E. DeJarnette, and they married on July 5, 1997.  Phyllis had a diverse career, working in fields such as secretarial, journalism, academia, radio, insurance, car sales, and real estate. She ultimately retired in 2002 from the General Services Administration, where she served 18 years as a Sr. Budget Analyst. Phyllis enjoyed a life of luxury travelling around the world, throwing lavish dinner and bridge parties and always decorating her and neighbor's homes impeccably with plants and art. Phyllis had a passion for shopping, interior decorating, horticulture, and cooking. She was also a talented dancer and instructor, excelling in Ballroom, Disco Salsa, Aerobics, and had a special love for Barry White's music. Known for her impeccable style and as the Family Fashionista, Phyllis also earned the title of Etiquette Queen for her polished manners and sage advice. Above all, she cherished her quiet moments alone.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Lt. Col. Michael E. DeJarnette (US Air Force Retired); her children from her previous marriage, Lisa D. Jean-Louis of South Carolina and Dr. Hurshel B. Burton, III of Texas; her brothers Harden L. Shelton, Jr. of Virginia, Robert W. Shelton, Sr. of North Carolina, and Alvin G. Shelton (Deborah Renea) of North Carolina; her sister Margaret A. Faust (Joseph) of Texas; her granddaughters Phylicia A. Jean-Louis of Georgia and Rio S. Burton of Texas; her stepson Nicholas E. DeJarnette of Georgia; stepdaughter Nikita G. DeJarnette of California; mother-in-law Mattie E. DeJarnette of Alabama; brothers-in-law Paul R. DeJarnette (DeeDee), Mark E. DeJarnette (Kim), and Steve A. DeJarnette (Diane), all of Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and her beloved fur baby, Rocket. She was preceded in death by her brother Paul H. Shelton and sisters Roberta S. Dalton and Audrey E. Penn.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home Chapel, 1190 Wilson Hill Road, Sumter, SC. The service will be live-streamed and can be accessed through the link below. A repast will follow the service at Bullock Funeral Home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Swan Lake Dialysis Center and Kimbell Home Care for their compassionate care.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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