Nina Claire Shelby

Nina Claire Shelby passed away on September 29, 2024, after a long battle with cancer and other complications. She was born on October 23, 1949 in Weatherford, Texas. She was the only child of Bill and Rosselle Price Shelby.

Her childhood was spent following the career of her father. He began his career as a football coach in Hart, Texas in the south plains and finished his career as a superintendent at Waka, Texas in the north plains. Nina graduated from New Waverly High school. She then attended college at Sul Ross University, graduating in December of 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Special Education certification. In 1975, Nina started her teaching career in Liberty Hill, Texas, teaching Language Arts. The following year she taught high school resource at the Georgetown High School. In 1977, Nina moved to South Texas to teach as a resource teacher for Raymondville ISD. She did this for four years and then moved to McAllen and began her long teaching career at Phar-San Juan/Alamo Consolidated School District. During her 23 years there, Nina taught various grade levels, working with students with severe and profound disabilities as well as students with blind and auditory impairments, and medically fragile students. In 1984, while continuing to teach, Nina returned to Sul Ross University and received her Master of Secondary Education. Then, in August of 1992, she received a Masters of Art in English with a concentration on the years between the two world wars from UT Rio Grand Valley University. In the year of 2000, Nina and her family moved to Elgin, Texas. Nina was hired on as a resource teacher for Elgin ISD. She also helped take care of her father after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer. She taught 9 years as a resource teacher for Elgin Elementary. In 2007, Nina returned to Sul Ross University as a long distant student to receive her certification to become a Diagnostician. In 2008, Nina worked as a part-time resource teacher and part-time Diagnostician. In 2009, she became a full time Diagnostician for Elgin ISD and McDade ISD. Nina served all campuses as a bilingual Diagnostician as well as serving the general population. In all her years of teaching, she spent 40 years serving the children of Texas. She retired in May of 2015. Nina’s other interests were dogs, mainly Chihuahuas, reading and watching movies. Her biggest love, however, was her family. She cared for her parents and her partner, Tony, during years of long illnesses. Nina supported her son in all of his endeavors along with all of her step children. She is proud of each and every one of them.

Nina was a member of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of Texas Education Diagnostician Assoc. and Registered Professional Educational Diagnostician. She was a very proud Democrat.

Her parents, Bill and Roselle Price Shelby, and her partner of 33 years, Jose Antonio Diaz (Tony) preceded her in death. Surviving family is her son, Stoney Shelby (Brenda), stepchildren Rebecca Diaz, David Diaz (Tausha), and Denise Diaz. Step grandchildren Raiyna Sonnier-McMichael, Carmelo Sonnier-McMichael, Ivan Diaz (Ivanna), Nathan Diaz, Dextrr Diaz, Nadein Romo, along with great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the dedicated doctors and nurses who supported Nina through her illness and her final days.

A graveside service for Nina will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Greenwood Community Cemetery, near 1400 Greenwood Cut Off Rd, Weatherford, TX 76088.