Noelle Leigh Shelton

Noëlle Leigh Shelton, of Roanoke, VA, and her unborn daughter, Ella Elizabeth, affectionately nicknamed “Butter Bean”, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2022.

Noëlle was welcomed into the world on January 1, 1978 by her parents, Patricia Shelton and Bobby Pierce. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Lee Shelton, her grandparents: Wade Hamilton Shelton, Ella Carter Shelton and Helen Lawson Shelton, her uncle Charles Douglas Shelton and aunt, Lousie Owens Sparks. She is survived by her father, Bobby Pierce, aunts: Nancy Shelton Nash (Wayne), Ella Sue Shelton Smart (Ray), Jo Ann Owens Lunsford and Mamie Shelton Gentry, Cousins: Stacie Nash Bard (Wayne), Russell Nash (Dana), Julie Smart Koob (Keith), Rachel Nash Madison (John), Will Smart (Kaylyn), Cindi Astin Arnn (Buford), Brian Astin (JoAnn), Robin Sparks, Angela Astin Dalton, Scott Sparks and Todd Sparks (Anne), numerous second cousins and her bonus families, the Queens: Randy, Crystal, Mallory (Noëlle’s “Muffin”) and Oliver (Noëlle’s “Monkey”), the Greens: Dawn Green and Sebastian (Noëlle’s “Peanut”) Watson, The Patillos: Shannon and Mary Lynne and also her entire school families and College families. She also leaves behind her beloved fur babies, Tucker and Bailey.

A native of Decatur, GA, Noëlle attended Fernbank Elementary from kindergarten to seventh grade. Noelle loved this time in her life even sharing pictures of her time there with the Queen family. Her uncanny likeness to “Tootie” on the sitcom “Facts of Life” led to her niece and nephew, Mallory and Oliver, lovingly calling her “Tootie”. While growing up, summer vacations often found Noëlle visiting her grandparents and extended family in Virginia. Those days were spent running around playing with the dogs , cats and chickens, watching soap operas with her grandparents (and chuckling at "Johnny" Dixon's tricks on As the World Turns!), enjoying her grandmother's fried chicken, and sleepovers with cousins.

Throughout her childhood and youth, Noëlle was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Decatur. She loved participating in choirs and showcased her vocal talents singing alto. Noëlle helped to start a new worship service at the Church, was a member of the praise band and handbells. Her passion for serving was evident through her participation in missions, children camps - from camper to counselor, Vacation Bible Schools, Freshstart and any other opportunity where she could be of service.

In 1996, Noëlle graduated from Druid Hills High School in Decatur, GA. She was an active member of the KAPPA Club, Drama Club, French Club, Alpha-Omega Club, Student Council and Yearbook. She was the athletic trainer for the football, soccer and basketball teams. Rumor has it that she was “really good and fast” on her school soccer team, something that was questioned later in life as she was never fast unless being chased by a bear, which never happened. Noëlle was also awarded the Order of Heart for both her dedication and service to the school and community, and for providing peer leadership.

Noëlle returned to the mountains of Virginia to attend Emory & Henry College. Noëlle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with an emphasis on Athletic Training in 2000. Noëlle spent endless hours in the athletic training room working with E&H athletes, including her beloved Emory & Henry football team. She was also a deeply loved member of the Alpha Beta Chi (ABX) social sorority. Noëlle was always ready for a game of mud ball in front of Collins, a late-night drive on the golf course or sledding on cafeteria trays across campus in the snow. She was a watcher of shooting stars at the football field, a singer of Faith Hill and Dixie Chicks songs, a frequent requestor of “Room 4 Time” and a lover of hugs from Coach Selfe, Doc Hudson and David St. Clair. Her inclusive nature, along with her trademark twist of sarcasm, led to numerous lifelong friends made over her four years at E&H. Noëlle was “Simply The Best” – the best friend, athletic training student, study partner, mentor, teacher, and sister.

Upon graduation from E&H, Noëlle attended University of Tennessee (UT) earning a Master of Science in Sports Management in 2001. While at UT, Noëlle was an athletic trainer for the Lady Vols Women’s Basketball team and Vols’ Football team. She loved Tennessee Football and took advantage of every opportunity afforded to her to be a part of the experience. The pentacle of these experiences was her 15 seconds of fame during a nationally televised game during which Noëlle could be seen on the sidelines of the Vols Football game holding Coach Fulmer’s headset. This sighting led to “approximately 23,912 texts from friends” telling her that she had been on television. It would be remiss to not mention that despite Noëlle’s love of UT, she secretly loved to watch and cheer for Georgia Football. As she once said “Afterall, I am a Georgia girl.” Being a Georgia girl, Noëlle was resistant to learn the lyrics to Rocky Top at first. However, she eventually surrendered to the urges and upon mastering the lyrics, would sing Rocky Top at the top of her lungs, non-stop, off key. On weekends, you could find her playing flag football (especially if it was in the rain), painting the Rock with her beloved friends, taking trips to the Smoky Mountains to hike, and watching old episodes of the Golden Girls with friends. In the classroom at UT, her favorite class was “Ethics in Sports” where she was frequently called upon by the professor. Of no surprise to anyone who knew her, this was because the professor knew she always had an opinion. Noëlle will forever be a VFL!

After graduating with a master’s degree, Noëlle returned to Georgia to find her calling. While working at the Georgia Dome, she discovered that she had not fallen far from her mothers tree and discovered her love for education. In true Noëlle fashion, once committed to an endeavor she would do whatever was necessary to complete it. She began her career in education at Montgomery Elementary School in Brookhaven, GA. There, she supported students as a Special Education paraprofessional simultaneously working towards her teaching certificates. During her first year, she worked one-on-one with a student who needed significant behavioral intervention. Despite the challenge, Noëlle came to school every day with a smile on her face ready to give her all to meeting the needs of the student. This included helping the family by serving as a babysitter when necessary. The result of her efforts was a student who flourished. The following year, Noëlle was voted by Montgomery Elementary teachers as Support Staff of the Year. In addition to excelling at her job, she was also a wonderful friend to many staff who were saddened when she transferred to her next school.

She transitioned to Livsey Elementary School in Tucker, GA. Noëlle was Livsey’s Kindergarten Special Education Teacher. She loved her students with her whole heart and constantly advocated for them. She loved and was loved by all the students at Livsey. She had a big contagious laugh and sarcastic wit. There was never a dull moment with Noëlle. Even when she cut herself while trying to cut a pumpkin with her students. She also broke her wrist after being pulled on by one of her students. She laughed about it and continued to love on her “kiddos”, as she called them. She gave them 100% every moment she was there with them. Her love also spilled out to her co-workers at Livsey. She welcomed everyone with open arms and was a true friend to all. When she left Livsey for Virginia, everyone at Livsey was saddened to lose a great teacher, but they never lost a friend. Noëlle kept in contact with her Livsey family and continued to love on them from Virginia.

In 2015, Noëlle relocated to Roanoke, Virginia to be closer to her niece Mallory and her nephew, Oliver. She began working for Roanoke City Public Schools as a Special Education teacher to students with intellectual disabilities at Hurt Park Elementary. As with her work in Georgia, Noëlle was wholeheartedly devoted to her students and their families, as well as to her Hurt Park community. Though she often ran late for work (and most other occasions in her life), Noëlle always arrived at school with a smile and a purpose. She recognized even the smallest of needs in both her students and her colleagues, and she was an impactful mentor to numerous new teachers as they joined alongside her to serve in education. Noëlle also relished any opportunity to wear a tutu at school. On her last Halloween at Hurt Park, Noëlle dressed as Wonder Woman, a true reflection of who she was to so many.

Most recently, Noëlle was in her fourth year as a Special Education teacher at Colonial Elementary in Troutville, VA. Noëlle had a unique way in letting each and every one of her students know how special they were to her. “Once my kiddo, always my kiddo” was a frequent phrase she was heard saying. She cheered for her students from the sidelines at their sports activities. At Colonial, she consistently embraced the unique and diverse needs of the students on her caseload, with an unwavering determination to help them learn while loving them unconditionally. By using her gifts, she could lighten moods and bring smiles to children’s faces when they were having a bad day. Always prepared to go above and beyond, Noëlle traveled to her students’ homes during COVID and continued instruction in their driveways to ensure their education was impacted as minimally as possible.

After more than a year and a half of endeavor, Noëlle realized her greatest dream: becoming a mom. Noëlle never gave up hope and worked against all odds to make her dream of having a child of her own come true. In true form, Noëlle did so on her own terms and in her own time. In essence “she did it her way.” Her joy was palpable as she prepared for October 9th, the day she would welcome Ella Elizabeth into the world. Her arrival would have completed her home with her special pups Tucker and Bailey. Without a doubt Ella was already so very loved.

Despite not being able to witness Noëlle share in her joy of welcoming Ella, we take comfort in knowing that Noëlle is reunited with her mother and able to share motherhood with her. While experiencing time with Noëlle’s students and her colleagues at Colonial Elementary School this week, Noëlle’s Dad said it best, “This is just beautiful. All of it. I can see why Noëlle and her mom always wanted to return to the mountains.” While she was taken from her earthly home too soon, it is quite obvious that in her short 44 years here, she made a huge impact on the lives of everyone she met. She did so with her huge smile, her spirit that could light up a room, a sincere desire to help others, a pure heart of gold, and a sprinkle of sarcasm. Noëlle, you will never be forgotten and will forever live in the hearts and memory of those that knew and loved you.

Family, friends, and others are invited to attend a celebration of Noëlle’s life at 2:00pm on September 17th, 2022, at Colonial Elementary School in Troutville, VA. Please join us as we gather to share some of our favorite memories and celebrate the mark Noëlle left on this world during her 44 years with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to either the Noëlle Shelton Memorial Fund at Colonial Elementary School in Troutville, VA or to Emory & Henry College. Donations made to the Noëlle Shelton Memorial fund will be used to create the Noëlle Shelton Memorial Garden on campus. The garden will include a dogwood tree, two buddy benches, and her favorite flowers with the goal of trees that provide shade and comfort to the students for years to come. Additionally, funds will be used to install additional pieces of adaptive equipment on the lower grades playground in her memory. Donations may be made at: https://colonialcougars.memberhub.com/store/items/762150. Donations made to her beloved alma mater, Emory & Henry College may be donated via www.ehc.edu/giving or P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327.

For those that are able to attend the Celebration of Life, to honor Noelle, we invite you to wear University of Tennessee, Emory & Henry or your favorite college gear Also, as you all know, she loved Tennessee Orange and White.