"We were so blessed to have Ms. Junot as my daughters 3rd grade teacher. Natalia absolutely loved her. She was so patient and kind. She will forever have a legacy in the lives of the children and families she poured into. Prayers for the family during this difficult time. "
In loving memory of
Shelby Brooke Junot
August 7, 1993 - August 10, 2020
Shelby Brooke Junot, 27 years young, of Hays County, Texas, made her journey home to Heaven on August 10, 2020. Shelby, the beautiful daughter of Lisa Passell and James Junot, lit up the world with her radiant presence on August 7, 1993, in Austin, Texas.
Shelby graduated from Jack C. Hays High School and acquired her Bachelor's degree in Education from Texas State University. Shelby immediately started her career as an elementary teacher in Bastrop, Texas. Through her dedication and love for teaching she was recognized as "Teacher of Year" at her school. Shelby currently was a teacher for students with special needs in the Dripping Springs ISD.
Shelby was a loving, compassionate, young woman who captivated everyone she encountered with her joyful soul. Her big brown eyes, bright smile, wit, and infectious laughter, enchanted her audience of family, friends, students, and strangers.
Shelby had a heart for everyone!
She loved her students and shared many stories that painted the picture of a shepherd gathering her lambs with love, encouragement, and laughter. She had a heart for Haiti that was as big as Texas - She left her mark and gave a piece of herself to every child in the orphanages. Her love for children was borderless.
Shelby was a living testament of the Bible verse, Proverbs 31:26, "She speaks with wisdom and kind teaching pours from her lips."
For Shelby, life was an adventure and she LOVED an adventure. From jumping on a horse wearing daisy dukes, to being an all-around performer by singing at the top of her lungs to dancing outside in the rain. Watching her interact, share a story, sing, dance, or holding someone, always taught us something; to love unconditionally, to live in the moment, and to remember to laugh throughout the highs and lows. "Unforgiveness" was not in her repertoire.
If you knew Shelby, you knew you were special. The relationship she had with her brother, Zach and sisters, Karlie, and Bailey, is one that always warmed her parent's hearts. Their unbreakable bond was extraordinary and full of forgiveness and fun. Zach describes his beloved sister as passionate and full of life with unwavering love for family and friends. Karlie says that the best part about having Shelby as a sister is that they were always built-in best friends. Bailey boasts that Shelby was fun-loving and could always put a smile on her face, even in a sisterly argument.
Shelby knew how to love, she loved well, and was well loved.
Let it be comforting to you, Shelby was seeking the Lord; she had a hunger and thirst to know him more and she has been called home to join her Pepa, Brigadier General (Ret.) Arthur Joseph Junot and step-brother Joseph James Passell.
Shelby is survived by her mother, Lisa Anne Passell and husband Jeff; her father James Junot and Robin Whittaker Hayes; brother, Zachary Taylor Junot; sister, Karlie Anne Junot and fiancé Miles Robison Mock; and sister Bailey Skye Junot; grandparents Donald and Ann Young of New Braunfels, Texas; grandmother Clara Ann Junot of Killeen, Texas; grandparents Geri and Joe Gambino of Cedar Creek, Texas; and numerous step-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her fur baby, Bucklee Dean.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to: For His Glory Outreach Orphanage: Maison des Enfants de Dieu. www.fhghaiti.org.
Tributes
"There are no words for me to say! My heart is so broken! My daughter Karizma loved u so much! U inspired her! U will be missed by many little ones. "
" Beautiful girl, you were so loved. When I found out you had won teacher of the year at your last school, I was intimidated by the idea of you. But when I met you, I knew I wanted to be your friend immediately. You were the life of the party and on top of that, you liked to be as goofy as I did, and you were always willing/excited to dress in matching outfits. We just got each other. I would listen to you and your students chant, sing, and laugh, knowing you were doing what you loved. You were supposed to become a principal. I respected you so much that I would joke that I wanted you to hire me. But the truth is, it wasn?t a joke. I would have worked for you in a heartbeat. I?m not sure you understood how you impacted people. You had an openness that made whoever talked to you feel connected and welcomed. When you sang ?You?re going to miss me when I?m gone,? you had no idea the truth behind those words. I miss you, my friend. You will always be a part of my heart. Love you, Shelby. Rest In Peace. "
"Though I only worked with Shelby for a year, she was truly someone I will never forget. Her love for her students was apparent in everything she did and she brought such joy to each day. She was a bright light on our team and I am truly blessed that our paths crossed. My deepest condolences to Shelby?s family during this time. May all the memories you carry give you comfort. "
"Miss Junot was such a kind and loving person. She greeted her class with hugs, smiles, and love each and every day at DSE. I will forever be grateful for impact that she made on my daughter, Sofie?s, life. Miss Junot taught her to be stronger, confident, and that every day is new and full of promises and possibilities. We love you and will miss you every day. You were a light and a blessing to everyone around you. The Lord has a new Angel to greet his children with hugs, smiles, and love when they arrive in Heaven. We love you Miss Junot. The Bligh Family"
"Lisa and Jeff, Though I only met Shelby the one time at Lil\' Ray\'s celebration at your amazing home, I instantly grew to love her and your other kids. Please know that many Prayerful people I know at Riverbend Church and beyond are asking for the Lord\'s Peace in your spirit during this difficult time. Mark Johnson\'s buddy, Steve Robertson"
"It was such a joy to have the opportunity to work with Shelby. She had so much love for every child that was blessed to be her student. There wasn\'t a child that she didn\'t believe had great potential. She tirelessly gave of herself to ensure that EVERY student was successful. Her beautiful smile will be missed! "
"Our heart is crying for the loss of your precious Shelby. She was always an inspiration to be around & brighten your day with her wonderful smile. Arnold & myself are praying for your strength & know Shelby is in Heaven helping our precious Jesus. Of course, we would rather have Shelby on earth doing his work. As you can tell, this is very hard for me to put in words on your loss. We love y\'all & always here & praying for Shelby\'s family. Sending hugs! You will be in our heart & prayers tomorrow as you say \"see you in Heaven\"!"
"Dearest Lisa and family, I am sending my deepest condolences. I pray that our Heavenly Father will wrap your beautiful family in his loving arms and hold you tightly now and in the days to come. May He help you find the peace and comfort you need. I love you, Lisa. Love, Belinda "
"Many wonderful memories of Shelby since she was a little girl. Grew into an incredible young woman. Will always love Shelby and the entire family. My people!??"
"Shelby, you were a beautiful, selfless, timeless soul. I admired your light-hearted spirit, infectious smile, and always taking care of everyone around you, whether it was your students, family, or friends. Thank you for always sharing your light with the world. Shelby, you will be celebrated and forever missed."
"Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your precious Shelby and we are praying that God\'s love enfolds you and comforts you all through the pain. Love you all... Donna"
"Shelby was an amazing woman. I had the honor of working with her one summer at The Hideout. The love she had for kids was strong. She worked in the infant room with me and the babies just adored her. Every day you would hear the school kids running up and yelling ?Ms. Junot, Ms. Junot? then giving her a big hug. Shelby had so much live in her heart and it showed in her work. She is truly going to be missed. Praying for the whole family. "
"I was so lucky to get to know Shelby last year at Dripping Springs Elementary. Our classes would cross paths on our way to Music. She was so awesome with her kids and we got a few minutes each week to chat and joke about how we were both named Shelby. I was just in awe of how she loved her students and cared for them. Sending so much love to Shelby?s family and friends. ?"
"Please know your family is in our prayers. We were so sad to learn this devastating news. Praying God will carry you through every day ahead. "
"Shelby was such a bright light, and she made such a huge impact on our school last year. Her smile lit up the room, and her passion for serving others and spreading joy was evident in every action. She worked hard to create a classroom culture of love and acceptance, and her class felt like a family. Shelby was dedicated and passionate about working with all kids, but had a soft spot for students who could be challenging. She inspired me to look for the good in everyone, and I am better for knowing Shelby, even if for just a short time. Sending love and prayers to Shelby?s family and friends during this tremendously tough time. ??"
"May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Shelby taught my daughter last school year and was deeply and positively impacted by Ms. Junot. My daughter adored her and was inspired by her infectious kindness and her incredible ability to make learning fun and joyous. It was a blessing to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Shelby, you?re smile is as big as the Texas sky. You are beautiful so beautiful on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside! So many memories flooding my mind! You will be forever missed and you are so loved by myself and my family! I love you sweet girl! Siing sweet in Heaven as you did here on Earth! I love you! "
"I wish Jana Lou & I could be with you all to celebrate the life of Shelby, but please know we love you and are praying for you all. God bless you all. "
"Shelby was the little sister I never had- that Karlie so graciously shared with me. I can remember lying up in the tree house late at night using our crushes last name in replace of our own. Or when Karlie would go to sleep early and Shelby and I would sneak into the kitchen and heat up Lisa?s microwaveable meals as a late night snack- and we would stay up eating, laughing until early in the morning. I remember us all sitting in the back of the green expedition on the way to soccer games making fun of each other (probably mostly just Zach and Eddie making fun of us)... Everyone says this when someone leaves for Heaven, but never has it been more true than now- Shelby Brooke Junot, you were the light in every single room you entered, you were joy and you were good... you filled every heart with unconditional love and acceptance. Thank for shinning on us, what a gift it was. "
"I was blessed to work with Shelby this Summer . We were only beginning to know one another , but I already knew Shelby was an amazing young woman. I loved seeing her energy as she readied her classroom for the coming school year, and the quick and easy connection she made with her ESY students was truly inspiring. I am a better person for knowing her . Praying God?s blessings on all who loved Shelby. Adrianne Lambeth"
"Miss Junot was an amazing teacher and had the biggest heart. From writing letters to my daughter a few years after having her in her class to surprise visits. She left wonderful memories behind. God speed sweet girl."
"Lisa, James, and family, Such a beautiful girl. Shelby just lit up a conversation, Lit up a room. She was so kind to Jacob when he was going to attend Texas State as a new student. I will always remember it. I knew how she loved teaching and her students through her eyes and tone. The obituary was beautifully written and so true about her heart and loving nature. It was evident to all who had the privilege of meeting her. We have donated in her memory to the orphanage in Haiti. ? We are so terribly sad for your tremendous loss. Loving you, thinking of you, praying for you all. Linda Bernhard and family"
"We are still at loss for words but are comforted knowing that Shelby is with our Lord and Heaven gained another Angel. It was a joy watching her grow and blossom into an amazingly gracious, kind, and loving young woman who was passionate about her work and desire to help many children in need. She is now watching over us all.
We pray God provides comfort to all of the Junot family??? "
"We will always remember MS Junot! She was my son\'s Teacher for his 2nd and 3rd grade. Rowdy loved MS Junot. We loved her. She was always so sweet and you could really see how much her students meant to her. She always welcomed Rowdys baby sister Echo everytime we would attend classroom events. Rest in peace MS. Junot Prayers to all her family and friends. Christina,Huff, Bella, Rowdy and Echo"
"I will always remember Shelbys smile & laughter! When all our kids were younger, summers at Garner were a blast. Love & prayers to all the Junot?s & family - may you find peace. God Bless ??"