Lauren Hogan Shelton
Lauren was a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a dear sister. Above all, she was an exceptionally loving and inspirational teacher, who touched many young minds. For more than four decades, she educated students and helped other teachers in the Vidor Independent School District. From 1981 to 2011, she taught at Pine Forest Elementary as a first-grade teacher. She retired but quickly realized she couldn’t stay away from her passion. Lauren acted as a substitute teacher for the district almost uninterruptedly until 2025, when she finally went back as a full-time teacher in kindergarten at Vidor Elementary.
Sadly, after many weeks of decorating and arranging her new room where she surely would have taught for years to come, she tragically passed away after a short illness. She is preceded in death by her father, Ed; mother, Edna Mary; and her father-in-law, Leon.
Lauren is survived by her husband of forty years, Leon; her only son, Lucas; four sisters, Mary, Linda, Patricia, and Maureen; mother-in-law, Mary; sisters-in-law, Tina, Marti, and Andi and their spouses; eleven nephews; six nieces; eight great-nephews; and eleven great-nieces.
Lauren adored the Hill Country, enjoyed soap operas, was fond of wine, and she liked all things purple. Over the years she cherished her dogs, Hilde, Halibel, and Harli. At Lamar University, she was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and later as an alum. She was later a part of the Texas Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the teacher sorority Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), where she helped with various charities and scholarships. She loved her sister, in-laws, nieces and nephews, but held a special place in her heart for her students.
Lauren, as a wife, sisters, and mother, you will never be forgotten. As an educator, you left an indelible impression on innumerable children. You will never be replaced. You leave behind a legacy that has influenced so many lives in Southeast Texas. Thank you for being there for all of us.
In lieu of flowers we are asking that memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001 or Susan G. Komen, Attn: Trish Davis, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380.
A gathering of Mrs. Shelton’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- August 27, 2025
- 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- August 27, 2025
- 6:00 pm
Such a good friend at St. Anne and especially at Kelly High School. You will be missed.❤️❤️
Lauren was always such a sweet person. May she rest in peace.
I will miss my sweet friend, Lauren. So many great memories with her and my ADK Sisters for many, many b years. Her loving attitude, jolly laughter, and love of friends and family, will always be felt in our hearts. I send prayers and love to her family as they adapt to this loss. May God Bless.
Mary, Linda, Patricia, Maureen, Leon and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Lauren’s untimely passing. As others have said, her smile was just part of who she was. She was a source of inspiration to many, particularly her small students. She was also a frequent baby sister to my children many years ago. They also send their condolences. May you cherish memories of Lauren, especially those created as the Hogan sisters.
Prayers and hugs,
Adair, Jeff and Emily
The first time I met Lauren she had a smile bigger than Texas on her face and a group of children hugging her around the legs. The last time we were together we talked about how she wanted to go back to teaching, but wasn’t sure she was ready for full time. I encouraged her to give it a try. I’m so glad she did, but I’m so sorry a new generation of children will not get to experience her as a teacher and friend.
RIP Lauren, the children will gather round once again!
Debbie Winston
Leon and family, so sorry for your loss. I don’t think I have ever seen Lauren without a smile. Prayers for you and the family. RIP Lauren.
She was my teacher and I loved her. Funny story she is the only person I trusted to pull my teeth, so from 1st grade to 4th every time I had a loose tooth I’d go to her classroom and she’d come out in the hall and pull it for me. She was so kind, warm, and had the sweetest smile.
I was so saddened to hear this. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you❤️🙏
My deepest condolences on Lauren’s passing. May your sadness be lightened through memories of shared times together. Lauren seems to have been a precious person and positively touched many lives and hearts. God bless you all & may He comfort you.
Love,
Susy Le Blanc Triantafillis
To Mrs. Shelton’s loving family,
I am so sorry for your lost. Mrs. Shelton was my teacher in first grade and I still remember her as an amazing woman and teacher. She was always patient with me and never dismissed any questions or requests for help. She will be miss by everyone who walked into her classroom.
I first met Lauren when she pledged Zeta Tau Alpha at Lamar. She was always a bright light in any room she entered. I’m so very sorry for her family and loved ones, but I have no doubt she is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
Mrs Shelton was the always sweetest substitute we ever had and was very funny. I’m going to miss her very very much.
Austyn, Vidor Elementary 3rd Grader
To all the kids loved by Lauren, that is what brought her the most joy…you knowing you were loved by her. It is so unfair that you are gone Lauren, but we should all make it our mission to love like you and choose a life giving the kindness and positivity that you gave everyone you met. My deepest sympathies go to her family. I will find my strength and peace during this difficult time by fondly thinking of all the love and kindness she gave me.
Dear Shelton and Hogan love ones. We are deeply saddened to hear about Lauren’s passing. Lauren was a wonderful person, excellent teacher, loved by her students, co-workers, and many friends and family. She was very happy about going back to full time teaching this school year. You are all in our prayers for comfort and peace. May her soul rest in the loving arms of Jesus.
Love
Justin and Pam Farinella
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the family. This is a beautiful tribute to Lauren who could light up a room most especially with her natural beauty, smile and engaging humor and personality. As expressed, Lauren had an incredible tenacious ability to not only teach 40 years but was going back full time! That’s her gift and love for educating young ones. My heart aches for the family but what a gift to live a long, fulfilling life serving children, family, community, and church right up to her last breath. God grant her eternal rest, let perpetual light shine upon her, and may she rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the family. This is a beautiful tribute to Lauren who could light up a room most especially with her natural beauty, smile and engaging humor and personality. As expressed, Lauren had an incredible tenacious ability to not only teach 40 years but was going back full time! That’s her gift and love for educating young ones. My heart aches for the family but what a gift to live a long, fulfilling life serving children, family, community, and church right up to her last breath. God grant her eternal rest, let perpetual light shine upon her, and may she rest in peace.