Shelby Layne Williams of China Spring, passed away at home with her family by her side on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the age of 21 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Tuesday, February 11th at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 10AM Wednesday, February 12th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Shelby was born on February 23, 1998 in Waco to Joe Williams and Robyn Williams. She graduated from China Spring High School in 2016. She played softball and was on the golf team. She attended Sam Houston State University for a semester before her diagnosis in October 2016. Shelby continued to take college classes at MCC even while receiving treatment. One of Shelby’s favorite things to do was to travel and see the world. She was blessed to have taken some special trips with her family and her friends throughout her life. Shelby was truly a beautiful person, both inside and out. She was happiest when spending time with her friends, her family, and her dog, Zane. She loved life, loved God, and loved her friends. She was generous and kind, a great daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a fighter. She never gave up. She was #ShelbyStrong. She touched many lives during her 21 short years and will be missed dearly, but never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Linda VanDenBerg of Waco, and Billy Joe and Mary Williams of Donie.
She is survived by her parents, Joe and Robyn Williams of China Spring; siblings, Haylee Williams of China Spring, Whitney Sisk and husband, Jonathan of Georgetown, Jake Williams and wife, Lindsey of Valley Mills and Tye Williams of Waco; nieces and nephews, Connor, Logan, Landry, (and soon-to-arrive Aubrey Layne) Sisk of Georgetown and Brynn Williams of Valley Mills; and many loving aunts, uncles, friends, and her precious Great Dane, Zane, affectionately called “Zaner” by Shelby.
Pallbearers will be Jack Aydelotte, Blake Berger, Barclay Brunson, Mason George, George Gutierrez, Dylan Harralson, Braden Murphy, and Christian Truman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shelby’s church- China Spring United Methodist Church, an animal rescue organization, or to children’s cancer research.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I’m so sorry for your Loss Robyn you and your entire family are in my prayers! Much love ❤️ to you sweet lady !
I have known Shelby since she was little. I was not close to her…we did not talk on any regular basis what so ever. However, she was in my son’s grade at China Spring and she was at the elementary while I taught there. The one thing I remember about Shelby was that she ALWAYS had a smile for me. She was always polite. She always looked like she was at peace, like she had a little secret with God that kept her “all good”. I know this sounds corny, but it was just what I always thought when I ran in to her at school, at Shipley’s for the morning donut runs, or even when I saw her getting ready for the Riecher prom her senior year…which btw, she looked stunning.
Robyn – My heart goes out for you and I won’t say anything corny or demeaning. I have not lost a daughter so I will never understand your particular loss. I have lost my mom, dad, and my high school best friend and I know there are NO words that anyone can say. I just hope you recognize my description of her and I want you to know she made me smile. I know that sounds silly and simple, but life is hard and Shelby made people smile just by being her.
You are all in my prayers.
Love to you all.
I am s saddened to learn of this news. Prayers for the family at this most difficult time. She was a beautiful young woman and wonderful person.
We are so sorry for loss. Please if you need anything at all do not hesitate to call us. She is a beautiful angel looking down on all of us. We will continue to pray for you Robin and your family.
Our Most Deepest Condolences. Prayers for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time! We are so very sorry to hear of your loss!
The Blasingame Family
Words are simply inadequate to describe this loss. My heart hurts for all of you. My love and prayers will be sent your way for a long time to come. May God hold you close to Him.
Robyn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Shelby. I am praying for you and your sweet family during this difficult time.
Robyn,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this very difficult time.
There are no words that will comfort your pain so I won’t even begin to try.
Just know that we are here for you if you need us.
My condolences go out to the family and husband. I’m sorry you loss and will continue to pray for yall at this difficult time. If you need anything I’m at your service. Shelby will be remember as an loving, caring, great hearted woman. I’m glad I got to meet her through Haylee for a short time. Once again I’m sorry for your loss.
The world lost another little bit of sunshine. Shelby was a precious woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I am so for your loss of this young lady. Joe and family my prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Robyn ,
I am so sorry. I hadn’t seen Shelby since her & Bailee went to church together when they were younger. She grew up to be such a beautiful young woman. I cannot even begin to imagine what you & your family are going through. My heart goes out to all of you especially during these next few days & the weeks & months to follow. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. ????
SHE was stronger than she ever imagined
JESUS was closer than she ever realized
SHE was loved more than she will ever know
I pray for God to confort all of Shelby’s family.
Joe,
Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not know her, I am sure since she was your daughter, she was a beautiful young lady inside as well as out. There are no words to ease the pain you are going through at this moment, but it will get easier as the days, months, and years pass. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With all my love.
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
Brenda Penland Matthews
Continued prayers for all your family at this difficult time. Shelby was a precious and beautiful young lady. May your wonderful memories and knowing that she is home with the Lord give you peace and comfort at this time.
Robyn,
My heart breaks for you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to express our grief for you, but please know that I love you and you are, and have been, in my thoughts and prayers daily. You were a gift from God to Shelby, and she to you. Much love to you.
Continued prayers for your family during this difficult time. Shelby was such a beautiful and courageous young lady that touched so many hearts. May your precious memories and knowing that she is with our Lord give you peace and comfort. Love your family!
Dear Mr and Mrs Williams and family
Let me say that I am so very sorry about your daughter, and I know how much you loved her. My name is Kyle Nielsen, born in Waco and I have been thinking and praying about your family everyday for the last week. I have three children 22, 19, and 17 and I have a gleoblastoma multiform GBM since January 23, 2011. My heart feels your sorrow because 9 years ago I had to tell my children that their daddy had a deadly disease. I know that God has a special place for Shelby, and I have been spending time all week thinking about your lovely Shelby. God has allowed me to live longer than I ever should have, but I wanted you and your whole family how Shelby whom I never knew has touched and blessed my life. I will continue to pray for your family. Thank you for allowing me to share how Shelby touched my life. God bless your family.
I am just coming across this of all days… Mother’s Day. I saw your post of what mentioned being without your mom or Shelby, which I assumed was you daughter as she definitely looked like your mini-me. I decided to scroll through your FB to know for sure and was touched along the way by what so many had mentioned as her beautiful smile and fun loving spirit! What a blessing she was to the world! I am so deeply sorry for your loss and ask for God’s comforting arms to continue to stay wrapped around you.