About | The Shelby Center

How Did We Get Here?

The Shelby Center was formed in honor of our sweet daughter, niece, sister, fiancé, and friend, Shelby Raye Sloan Whitten. Shelby passed away suddenly early in 2018 of a brain hemorrhage. She was 22 years old, Seth's twin, big sister to Jackson and Levi, engaged to a wonderful man, and just weeks away from graduating from Sam Houston State University. She was full of life and that life was fueled by a passion for Jesus Christ and for people. Shelby loved everyone and never met a stranger. Above all, she loved God, wanted to serve Him, and wanted others to know Him. If there is anything that could be learned from Shelby's life, it is that one person CAN make a difference.

In the months since her passing, many of her friends and family have entered a relationship with Jesus and we want to continue her legacy of spreading the love of Jesus and helping people really know Him. Really knowing Jesus brings freedom and peace in a world of chaos and hopelessness! We have expanded our efforts to grief support and will soon have active support groups in the Tomball area. I hope you will join us in this effort.

Our Backgrounds

Tami has been in ministry for over 30 years as Pastor's wife, Bible Teacher, and Biblical Counselor/Mentor. She is certified to offer pre-marital counseling through SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts), teaches recovery related classes for Kay's Keeper (www.kayskeeper.org), and serves as a leader in a local Celebrate Recovery program. She has an undergraduate degree in Communications from Louisiana Baptist University and is nearing completion of a Master's Degree in Christian Counseling. Tami is married to David (34 years in August, 2022). They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four granddaughters.

Stacey has been in ministry, as well, for many years. She has a Bachelor Degree in Biblical Studies. Currently, she is serving her church as an American Sign Language Communicator, regularly offers support to others in the throes of grief, and is certified to minister to others using Mercy Multiplied materials. In addition, she owns her own business and has three sons, one daughter in Heaven, one daughter-in-law, a grandson and a granddaughter on the way!

- Founders, Stacey Whitten-Lucia, Mom, and Tami Kennedy, Aunt

Our Vision. To see people living each day with passion and purpose, fully surrendered to Christ and free of bondage.

Our Mission. To love people. To offer an individualized path to emotional, spiritual, and mental healing and to provide Biblical mentoring to those who desire to really know Christ.

What We Do. We offer mentoring, Biblical counsel specifically focused on living a life of forgiveness, and growth opportunities through retreats, individual mentoring, and online groups.