Benita Ann Shelton

Benita Ann Messer Shelton, 82 of Johnson City, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. She was born in Straight Creek on May 26, 1943, a daughter of the late Charles Henry and Anna Harkness Messer, Jr. Benita was the designer and owner of the Newcombers Club in Johnson City, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Bobby Messer, James Messer, and John Messer; sisters, Maureen Baker and Charlene Hubbard; and several infant and young child siblings.

Benita is survived by her husband, Charles W. Shelton of Johnson City, Tennessee; stepson, Michael and Melissa Shelton of Kingsport, Tennessee; stepdaughter, Suzanne and Robert McNeil of Knoxville, Tennessee; step-grandsons, Andrew Shelton, Adam Shelton, Henry McNeil, Jonathan and Mary McNeil, and Benjamin McNeil all of Knoxville, Tennessee; brothers Don and Faye Messer of Pineville, Kentucky, and David and Lisa Messer of Harrogate, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home with Rev. Don Messer presiding. Music will be provided by Faye Messer. Burial will follow at the Pineville Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Henry McNeil, Jonathan McNeil, Benjamin McNeil, Mike Shelton, and Robert McNeil. Honorary pallbearers will be Drew Shelton and Adam Shelton.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Shelton Family.