Shelander

Ms. Shelander

Nevaeh Louise Shelander, 8 years old, was called home surrounded by family at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin on Dec. 12, 2023, at 5:43 p.m.

Better known to those closest to her as “Nene,” she was born on Aug. 26, 2015, to biological parents, Janice and Kory Shelander. Nevaeh was the second oldest of four children.

Although she faced many adversities in life and was nonverbal, she was able to speak to many near to her through her own language of the heart. Nene’s personality was profound and was best described by her adopted mom, Laura, as having varying degrees of dislike and made it quite known of her disapproval.

Despite all, Nevaeh did enjoy being read to, listening to music and her favorite movie Moana.

Nevaeh attended Rockdale Intermediate School where she made many friends, one of whom was her special friend, Chase Phillips.

She quickly touched the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing her, including Paislee Taylor and Chanel Benson and was the sole driving force behind CASA of Milam County and is the very reason it is here today.

Nevaeh was preceded in death by cousin Wyatt William Phillips.

She is survived by her biological parents, Kory Shelander of Rockdale, Janice Shelander of Cameron; siblings Richard Lynn, Oliver Roy, Mayleigh Dawn Shelander and half-sister Kaitlynn Sanders-Shelander; grandparents Eva Baird of Rockdale, Elvis and Linda Smith of Milano; adoptive parent Laura Pantoja of Rockdale; adoptive siblings Kathrine, Lucas and Makaila Jackson, Emma Dodge and Nia Pantoja, all of Rockdale; along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mourned by her bonus family Mike and Shanna Wilson of Rockdale, Ryan and Taylor Walker of Round Rock, Hailey Wilson of Round Rock, Alex Wilson of Round Rock.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Rockdale.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the funeral home.

If friends and family desire, contributions may also be made in remembrance of Nevaeh “Nene” to CASA of Milam County at P.O. Box 445 Rockdale, TX, 76567.