Gretna……Mabel Estelle Farries Shelton Short, age 80 of Gretna died Wednesday, April 15, 2020. With grit, grace, determination and courage she danced her way into heaven after battling cancer for nine months.

Born April 28, 1939 in Danville, she was a daughter of the late Elbert Lewis "Bert" Farries, Sr. and Dorothy Inge Farries.  She was predeceased by her first husband and love of her life, Otis Cecil Shelton; and her second husband, Vesta Bernard Short.  Mrs. Short was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Gretna, where she served as lay leader. She took pride in her work and helped establish The Gretna Theatre, The Shelton Brothers Food Market with her late husband, Otis, brother in law and sister in law. She was a secretary with the "mostest" at Pannill Knitting, Craddock Terry Shoe Corporation and Amthor International. She was active, vibrant, and one of a kind. She loved dancing, playing golf, going to Embers' concerts, winning at the slots, and being with friends.

She is survived by one daughter, Bethel Shelton Thomas and husband, Carleton Jr., "Carl", of Rustburg; one brother, Elbert Lewis Farries, Jr. and wife, Phyllis of Gretna; three sisters, Peggy Lackey of Texas, Rosemary Seamster and husband, Dwight of Nathalie, and Pamela Atkins of Chatham; sister in law, Lucille Shelton  of Gretna; two grandchildren, Kaley Aragon and husband, Eddy of Rustburg, and Jordan Thomas and significant other, Megan Elliott of Rustburg; two great-grandchildren, Lucy Aragon and Abram Aragon; nieces and nephews; and Mabel's significant other, O'Neal Bowman of Evington.

Graveside services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Gretna Burial Park by Rev. Helen McKee, Ronnie Simpson, and Eddy Aragon. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the family respectfully asks that those who wish to come to the graveside service maintain appropriate social distancing. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when we can gather in true Mabel fashion.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Council of Aging which was her senior dance group, ℅ Penny Jones, 215 Meadowbrook Circle, Danville, VA 24540 ; or to Blanche's Closet, P.O. Box 339, Gretna, VA 24557 ; or to Challenge Sports Exchange, 22174 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 .

The family would like to give a special thank you to Centra Hospice, the Pearson Cancer Center, and Dr. Duffer and staff.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com