When several members of the Italy High School Class of 2007 heard that one of their classmates had died, they were shocked and saddened. They could not imagine Samantha Michelle Nance (Shelley) not being with them anymore. As they heard the reports of her murder, they questioned why.

They knew almost immediately that they wanted to do a living memorial for their classmate at the school. Plans are in the works to plant a tree in her memory.

“We wanted to do something so that Shelley is never forgotten,” said Megann Lewis. “If any monies are left over after the memorial, we will present a scholarship in her name.”

Shelley was a student at the Art Institute of Dallas. The art community throughout the United States and several other countries around the world have been saddened at her death. It is hard to lose someone you love, but it is even harder to lose someone tragically. The entire Italy community is trying to deal with the loss and the tragedy of her death. Hopefully the living memorial by her classmates will help the healing process.

Donations for the Shelley Nance Memorial-Class of 2007 may be made at Citizens National Bank.

Funeral services for Shelley are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church here in Italy. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, 1826 W. 287 Bus. in Waxahachie.

Note from Megann Lewis, 10:15pm Monday, September 14, 2009

I have had several questions regarding how the funds raised in this memorial account held at CNB for Shelley will be used. Please know that any and all monies donated will be used as per the families consent and instruction. There will be full disclosure of the account (and contributors) to the family at a later time when things have settled down for them. I can assure everyone that the Class of 2007 alone will contribute plenty of money that will cover the living memorial for Shelley. This fund is to help the family in any way it can; be it emotional &/or financial support. Please join me in honoring Shelley.
~Megann Mae Lewis