Shelby Jo Helona passed away Monday, January 24, 2022. Services will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park.
In her 28 short years, Shelby Jo managed to break the mold of what a typical “life well lived” looked like. Doting daughter, little sister, dedicated fur mom, and best friend to her never-ending collection of fan club members, church group goers, and No Limitation champions – she loved each one of you fiercely, of that we are certain.
She came into this world with a unique dislike for questions, answering them that is. Which oftentimes led to her doing it her way or no way at all. Her legacy was forged there, in the innocent wandering of her soul, and there it will forever live on in our memories.
From a young age, she was fascinated with dates… birthdays, anniversaries, events, graduations, and everything in between… it wasn’t uncommon to receive a list of said dates, with an expectation that it was almost criminal if you were to miss one. Later on, she became a connoisseur of the daily planner, and if the amount of “happy birthdays” wished equated to wealth, she was richer than us all.
If Shelby could have been anything in this world, it would have been the next famous singer. She practiced and practiced… sending her closest family and friends her digital mix tapes. Her dream may not have come true, but to us, she was a star… America’s Got Talent – you don’t know what you missed out on!
She was also a multi-event Special Olympics gold medalist, a Challenger League slugger, the family Skipbo reigning champion, and an upcoming barista at Bitty and Beau’s. She found her home base in the mix of the individuals that comprised these teams. She did so proudly, and independently.
In her spare time, she earned her Computer Support Specialist Certificate from MCC, organized MS Walks in memory of her dad, was an active member of Antioch church , and was a part of the ALPs group, Baylor Best Buddies, Best Buddies Texas, No Limitations, and many others.
Shelby is preceded in death by her father, Mark Helona; grandfather, Raymond Helona; uncle, Brian Helona; aunt, Kim Girard; nephew, Leighton Brantner; and fur daughter, Torie.
She is survived by her mother, Laurie Helona; fur daughter, Isabella; sister, Fallon Brantner and husband Kyle; sister, Hillary Helona; grandmother, Pat Helona; grandmother and grandfather, Lonnie and Linda Douthit; aunt, Ann Popp and husband Bruce; Aunt Lea Black and husband Roy, nieces, Mikaela Ruiz, Kyler Brantner, Seiver Sandoval, and Amity Brantner; nephew, Michael Ruiz; honorary sisters by choice Renee Kiliam and Josephine Aguiar; cousins, Jimmie Helona, Bruce Popp, Jr., and Tanner Popp; as well as many friends that Shelby considered family.
Pallbearers will be Chris Helona, Jimmie Helona, Bruce Popp, Jr., Tanner Popp, Kyle Brantner, and Michael Ruiz, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers include her teammates and coworkers at No Limitations, Special Olympics Texas, Bitty and Beau’s, and some of her biggest fans, Seth, Dylan, Eli, and Hope.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shelby’s honor to No Limitations at PO Box 32574 Waco, TX 76703 or PayPal @ nolimitationswaco@gmail.com.
Place of Service: ,
Print Obituary & Condolences
So sorry to see that Shelby has passed away.
She had such a big heart and that’s something I will always remember about her❤️
Marsha Thauwald
What a sweet young lady Our family knew her from challenger league and No limitations our son Aydin Davis is also a participant for each of those groups Shelby will be missed But her free spirit will never be forgotten We send our love ❤️ prayers and condolences to Her family to have known Shelby was a blessing Love ❤️ the Aydin Davis family Gina Davis Edward Davis
To the Family of Shelby Helona,
We were so, so proud and pleased to be friends of Shelby’s. She was, indeed, a remarkable young lady, one of depth and great character and love and tremendous skills and grit. Unique and special and every other adjective one can conjure. We shall miss her more than we can say, and we thank her for allowing us to be a part of her life. Our loss. Heaven’s gain. Rest with the angels in the Arms of God, Shelby.
Love, your friends, George and Cyndi Snokhous
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for y’all’s angel that is now in heaven.l remember subbing for her at China Spring, she was so helpful to me. So sweet and a perfect student. She lived life to the fullest. I will alway’s remember her.
Laurie,
My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry for your terrible loss. Thinking of you and your girls and all of Shelby’s family in the days ahead and keeping you all in my prayers.
Praying for the whole family.
Im so sorry to hear about Shelby 🙏 may she be welcomed in His kingdom
Saying prayers for all of you. I’m so sorry.
I am so very sad to hear about Shelby passing away. She was a faithful and fierce friend. I’m so thankful to have known her and to have had her in my life for the time I did. She will be so dearly missed by myself and countless others. ❤️❤️❤️
So sorry to hear of Shelby’s passing. Prayers for Laurie, Hillary and Fallon during this difficult time.
Dear shelby i know you are flying high with the angels right now jesus are loard and saver will take good care of you. shelby what i can alway remember i always like when we wood chat on 5he phone are when i saw you all pretty up to gg to the night to shine i really love being your friend best buddies iam proud of you you made it to heaven I love you and your family very much
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Helona Family,
So very sorry to hear about Shelby passing away. She was a true angel. Thinking and praying for you all.
Laurie, Fallon, and Hillary,
I am so sorry for your loss. Shelby is a beautiful example of a life well lived.
Her big smile and kind heart will be greatly missed.
I’m so very sorry! Love and prayers to the Helona family. Seeing the video brought a smile to my face and heart! I remember that spunky angel I always enjoyed visiting with in the elementary office way back when! May you feel comforted by Gods loving arms!
Laurie, Joe and I are so sorry to hear about Shelby. I remember when she was born! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Lori Cross
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of Shelby. Remember all of the great memories and she will always be with you.
We love you show me and we pray for you all and her family. I’m grateful for her love for Jesus and her heart for people. Her amazing life of overcoming struggle is it testimony her character. May you all know The love of Jesus like Shelby did may run deep into his arms during this time.
Laurie and Pat. I’m so sorry about Shelbys passing. She was the best bat girl ever. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Kenneth Westerfeld and family .
I am so sorry for your loss Laurie, Hillary & Fallon. You are in our prayers. I just found out tonight. I am so sorry we missed the service. Love The Sanchez family.
I got to know Shelby right after she was born, when she spent some time in the NICU at the old Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. I was the Social Worker for her and her parents, Mark and Laurie. She was a fierce little fighter and in the many years since, I’ve always remembered her as so strong, surrounded by a very loving family. I’m happy to know that Shelby lived such a happy life. You all are in my thoughts tonight.
There are no words but please know the Sue and Tommy Lowry Family share the pain and emptiness of your loss. Shelby’s family were all dear friends of ours. Celebrate her homecoming.
Sue Lowry
Thinking of your precious family at this time. So sorry for the loss of sweet Shelby. What a beautiful tribute video to a precious young lady!❤ Praying for you all!
To all of those who loved Shelby so dearly, I send
my condolences. I haven’t seen her since she was a little baby but from all the kind words I have read, I know I missed out on a blessing. To hear how much she
loved Jesus was such an encouragement and a blessing! I rejoice with you that only now is she all that Jesus wanted her to be! There is joy in knowing you have the opportunity to be with her again
To Shelby’s family and friends,
Shelby was such a special and unique individual. I had the pleasure of meeting her at MCC and she always left her mark. I send you my deepest condolences and well wishes for peace and comfort.