Shelby S. Eaton

Shelby Sandra Arnette-Eaton was born to the late Lafayette and Evelyn Arnette on July 29, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; she was the youngest of three daughters. Shelby was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system. She graduated from West Philadelphia high school in 1960. She loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church service with her mother, two sisters and dad attended on occasions. She was baptized in the White Rock Baptist Church, West Philadelphia under the Pastorate of Reverend Shaw. In 1962 she met the man that promised her the world, the late Madison James Eaton and together they birthed 4 loving children. Shelby adored children and demonstration of this was reflected throughout her life early. She started and ended the chapters of her life with children; while her own 4 were young and in grade school at Mifflin Elementary, East Falls, Pennsylvania she was right there with them ensuring they receive a rich and full educational experience by working at the school holding down several positions, so, she could stay the full school day. She worked as a lunchroom aid, classroom assistant, teachers' assistance and office aid for several years. She also gave of herself often in the community, as block captain and a member of the community center staff. She helped provide activities for the neighborhood children (games, carnival shows, movies, and food) to keep them busy. Shelby did not stop there her love for children continued when she decided to start child care service in her home for the kids of neighbors, family members and friends. She was stern, demanding and caring she won the hearts of all that she impacted. It was not easy once her children were grown and all had graduated from high school to begin pursuing various avenues of secondary education, she decided it was finally her turn to explore her own gifts and talents further with children; so, in 1993 with her life experiences to guide and inspire her, she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program at West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania. Shelby sets her mind in gear and she is off and running. By the time her sophomore year she realized working a full time job and attending college as a Part-timer was a bigger challenge than anticipated, so, she revised her focus; work Part-time and attend school full-time. She began working for Spectra Guard as a night Security Patrol Officer on 2nd and 3rd swing shifts and attended classes during the day to support her education. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in 1998 and shortly thereafter began working for the Montgomery County Head Start Program, as a Teacher's assistant. After a few years she was offered the Head teaching position where she continued to work for almost 20 years. The minds of many children were enlightened and the hearts of their parents were over joyed by the attention and care given to their children under her watch. Shelby gave her best and the children did not mind giving that in return. She believed in old school style teaching; discipline and hard work wrapped in a bundle of love is all that a child needs. She always thought of and placed the needs of others, before herself, especially when it came to the little people. Early the morning of November 19, 2009; approx. 1:18 AM God stretched out his hands and said well done my faithful servant come home and rest. Shelby a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, friend and companion you will be truly and deeply missed but we will meet again in heaven. Shelby leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, 1 son, Sterling Eaton of New Castle DE; 3 daughters, Danielle Richardson of Denver Co., Angelette Eaton-Bronson of Memphis TN, and Sandice Calabria of Volcan Panama; 1 daughter-n-law, Trina Eaton; 2 sons-in-law, Terrence Bronson and James Calabria, Jr.; 8 grandchildren, Tamara Richardson, Terrence Bronson, Atoya Nelson, Paulette Richardson, Tiffany Eaton, Darius Hill, James and Joanna Calabria; 1 great-grandchild, Zamir Nelson; 2 sisters, Justine Binyon-Story and Lois Davis; 2 brother-n-laws, Thomas Davis and Clarence Story; and a multitude of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives and friends. She also leave to mourn and cherish her memory is a long time friend and companion. We love you and may God continue to grant you peace.