Shannon Austin Coad

Shannon is survived by her loving family: her husband, John; her sons Jacob and Jackson, her mother Sherrie Coleman and husband Jim; and her mother in law, Laura Coad all of San Angelo, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Lauryn Crosby Edell and husband Wes of San Diego California and sister-in-law Carol Coad Gleason, husband J.B. and their son Benjamin of Allen, Texas and numerous other extended family and friends.

Shannon grew up in San Angelo, Texas where she attended elementary, junior high, high school and college. She graduated from Angelo State University with her B.S. and M.S. in Biology.

Her passion for education and the pursuit of knowledge didn't stop upon completion of her master's degree. She went on to teach biology at Howard College where she was employed at the time of her death. Shannon never viewed her time at Howard as a job. It was her calling. She had a gift for helping people find their inner strength. She inspired many to take a long hard look at who they really are and to act on their full potential.

As a mother of special needs children, Shannon was committed to educating others about Autism Spectrum Disorder. She worked tirelessly as an advocate for her children.

Shannon wasn't all business. She knew how to have fun. She was a participant in fantasy football and could make a mean pot of chili. She recently qualified for her second time to cook in the infamous Terlingua Chili Cook Off.

Shannon was a giver. She met her husband while donating blood. She even once said, "I gave a pint and I received the love of my life." She met her match with John. They both brought strong personalities to their marriage and their little apples didn't fall far from the tree.

Shannon picked her friends. Carefully. If you were a part of her "inner circle" you both knew it and were honored to be a part. You were family. She was a fantastic scrapbooker and treasured her Saturday nights with her "peeps." John recognized her talent and allowed her to convert their formal living space into a "scrapbookers utopia" which the girls dubbed, "Casa Yoda."

She was loyal, loving and eager to participate in everything life had to offer. Her exit from this life was premature and leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

The family will receive visitors at Johnson's Funeral home on Saturday from 5:00 – 7:00. A celebration of her life will be Sunday at Johnson's Funeral Home at 2:00 with Rev. Emmett Corker officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Autism Speaks. Friends and Family are invited to sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com