In Loving Memory of Shelby Deese Canuette A Life of Strength, Love, Faith, and Music
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Shelby Deese Canuette, who peacefully left this world on, October 7, 2024.
Shelby's life was a testament to strength, kindness, and unwavering love, and her legacy will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.
Born on March 10, 1945, Shelby lived a life filled with faith, music, and compassion. She was married to "Brother Bob" Canuette, for 34+ years, during which they served churches in Texas, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. As a dedicated pastor’s wife, Shelby supported her husband and congregation with grace and love.
Shelby’s passion for music was a guiding force in her life. With a degree in music education, she led worship services with her beautiful voice and piano playing. She shared this love by teaching piano lessons and inspiring others through music. Later, she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, allowing her to shape the lives of hundreds of students during her 30-year teaching career.
Though her life was filled with love, Shelby also knew deep heartbreak. She experienced the loss of her father,
mother, and husband far too soon, but her strength and resilience never wavered. Shelby became the strong
matriarch of her family, providing a legacy of courage, faith, and love for her daughter and grandchildren.
One of Shelby’s greatest joys in life was being a Nana. She absolutely adored her two grandchildren, who brought
immense joy to her life. Shelby was her baseball playing grandson’s biggest fan and she enthusiastically supported
her granddaughter’s passion for music and performing arts. She cherished every moment spent with them, always
offering unconditional love, faith and wisdom.
Shelby’s final days brought moments of mystery and peace. Just days before her passing, her daughter overheard
her talking softly in her room. When asked who she was speaking to, Shelby said there was a little girl in the room
with her. The family is intrigued with wonder if this "little girl" was an angel of comfort, preparing her for upcoming
journey.
On her last night, Shelby spent time with her daughter watching Andy Griffith reruns, finding comfort in the simple
joys they shared. Shelby, who usually had little appetite for anything other than vanilla milkshakes and oatmeal
cookies, requested a hot dog and Coke that evening—a small but cherished moment. Her daughter went to bed
that night thinking, "Today was a good day with Mom," unknowing that it would be their last together.
Shelby is survived by her brother, Robert Deese of Greenville, South Carolina, her daughter, Kimberly Hutcheson
and her two grandchildren, Hunter and Alyssa Hutcheson, who will carry her love and strength with them always.
She is now reunited with father, Fred Deese, mother Wencie Jenkins Deese and husband, Robert Canuette, singing
among the angels and watching over her loved ones.
A celebration of Shelby’s life will be held at Sweetwater Baptist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina, at 2:00
PM on October 14, 2024, where family and friends will gather, wearing blue, her favorite color, to honor her
remarkable life and the love she shared with her community.
Flowers to honor Shelby’s life of service can be sent to Sweetwater Baptist Church, 198 Sweetwater Road, North
Augusta, South Carolina 29860
