Deacon Herbert Lester Sheldon, Jr.

A giant in the kingdom, Deacon Herbert L. Sheldon, Jr. was born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Herbert and Sylvia Sheldon on August 15, 1948, in Chatham, NY. Educated in the Chatham, N.Y. Central School District, he obtained his high school diploma and later studied Divinity. He went on to work as a Supervisor at Eden Park Nursing Home in Albany, NY, Berkshire Farm Center for Boys, as a Youth advisor, and the NYS Thruway Authority Toll’s division. He later retired as a support assistant with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

A lifetime musician, he played the piano for Welcome Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, NY where he was first ordained as a Deacon. He later returned to his home church in Chatham, NY to become Minister of Music at Payne A.M.E. Church, where he grew in ministry. Despite his diagnosis of congestive heart failure in the early 2000s, Herbert continued to serve the community and carry his struggle with a smile, an encouraging word, and when asked, even a song. He played for several churches throughout the area and was “the distinguished singer” in ---Oscar Hammerstein’s Show Boat, a local play production held at McHayden Theatre. Post-retirement, he and his wife relocated to Newark, Delaware, and became a member of E’Zion Fair Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to serve as a Deacon. After the passing of his beloved wife Doreen, he joined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church where he remained until his death. He was ever so excited the Sunday he received the right hand of fellowship making him a full-fledged member.

Herbert was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Doreen M. Sheldon, five sisters Sandra, Donna, Gwendolyn Sheldon, Anita Sheldon-Griffin, Isabelle Windom, one son Corey J. Sheldon, his only Sister-in-Law Joyce (James) W. Frederick, two brothers-in-law: Dale Jackson and Noah Blount, close cousins Mary (Norman) McIntosh, Grand-daughter Jiyah Sheldon, Great-Grandson Izrael Smith, Nieces Penny L. Foster and Stephanie A. Sheldon-McQueen.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Keith (Patricia) Williamson, Evangelist Shana Davis, Wanda (Freddie) Sheldon-Johnson and Herbert (Fatu) Sheldon, III. Herbert has fifteen grandchildren: Keith, Kendu, Marquis, Nyree, Kyle, Princess, Wandejah, Tiye, Jo’Quel, Mayah, Ky’aire, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Journee and Thirteen Great-Grandchildren, brother Arthur Sheldon, two sisters Lorraine Blount and Melissa (Carlos) Maisonet. Four brothers-in-law Wayne Jackson, Kent Jackson, Jerry Lewis and Bobby Lewis. A loving uncle Bruce Sheldon, Aunt Shirley Mosely and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and god-children.

Herbert is remembered most for sharing his musical talents throughout the communities he resided in, his devotion to God and church service, raising his family with his loving wife Doreen, his calming singing voice and hearty laughter, and good times. He also loved family gatherings, music, dancing, good food, and big Birthday celebrations. Poppy also loved the Food Network and the TV show House Hunters.