Shelton Juan Chesson Jr. lived a life of love and laughter for 32 years.
He was adored by his family and friends for his cheerful enthusiasm, competitive spirit, genuine kindness, contagious humor and goodwill. His passion for sports and his concern for people led him to a happy, satisfying career in teaching and coaching, where he endeared himself to students, teachers and fellow coaches.
A native of Rocky Mount, Juan grew up in his own backyard playing whiffle ball, basketball and football with his brother and friends. He began his coaching career at an early age as he assisted his father during hundreds of high school football, basketball and baseball games. In his childhood, he reveled in his tasks as ball boy, bat boy and equipment manager.
An outstanding student at Rocky Mount Senior High, he participated in football and baseball and was honored several times for sportsmanship. He also played American Legion Baseball.
He graduated from N.C. State University in 1989 with a B.S. degree in mathematics. In 1990, he received a Master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University, where he was awarded the Monte Wood Memorial Scholarship for exceptional contributions to the program. He then served as an administrative assistant in the Department of Athletics at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
Juan became a teaching assistant at N.C. State in 1992 and was awarded the Math Department's Maultbie Award in recognition of outstanding teaching. He received a Master's degree in mathematics education from N.C. State in 1994
He began teaching high school mathematics at Reynolds High School in 1994 and was honored as an outstanding first-year teacher by the Buncombe County Schools. He then transfered to T.C. Roberson High School, where he taught for the past three years, coached junior varsity football and served as assistant coach for varsity baseball.
