Justin Reece Solomon of Princeton, Texas was born on January 26, 1991 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and died on August 25, 2021. Justin was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
This world is unimaginable without the presence of our deeply loved Justin Reece Solomon. He was our compassionate old soul, our comic relief, our seeker of justice, our knight-in-shining-armor, our beloved son, adored husband, inseparable brother, treasured nephew, cousin, teacher, and friend.
As a child, Justin aspired to be a hobo when he grew up. As he was entering middle school, when asked if he had any aspirations for this new stage in his life, Justin said he simply wanted to blend in and not be noticed. It was never in Justin’s nature to be in the spotlight for the purpose of being seen. Moreso, Justin’s generous spirit was driven by his desire to know that others around him were loved, taken care of, noticed, and entertained.
Justin was a natural leader and commanded a room effortlessly, though. He looked you in the eye when he shared, spoke with a naturally booming voice and he genuinely made you feel important. He loved any excuse to gather friends and family together for good food and games of all kinds, and to inspire fun and conversation. Justin’s imagination, playful quick wit, keen attention to detail and theatrical acumen made him the “resident narrator” for game-night board games and activities.
Perplexed by social injustices, Justin yearned to make a difference in the world. As a 3rd grade teacher at McSpedden Elementary School in Frisco, he found reward in being able to teach, encourage and inspire his treasured students; many of whom reached out to him in appreciation years after being in his classroom. He loved teaching and he adored each and every one of his students!
Justin graduated with honors from Centennial High School in Frisco where he excelled in Theater. He earned his Bachelor’s in Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Justin was so determined and responsible that he took his parents up on their offer to stay with them rent-free the year after he graduated, and he applied every penny he earned toward paying off his school debt, which he accomplished in a year.
Justin is survived by his wife, Shelley Solomon; his mother, Dana Solomon; father, Gene Solomon; his sister, Rani Zemanek and brother-in-law, Chaz Zemanek; his aunts, Evie Rossi, Debbie Janicek, Hayley Huang, Melissa Solomon, and Becky Lord; his uncles, Carl Shockley, Clay Latiolais, Kenneth Solomon, Darrell Solomon, Larry Solomon, and Jimmy Lord; and his cousins, Ethan Janicek, Benjamin Janicek, Sharlie Latiolais, Ashley Solomon, Allison Solomon, Charles Solomon, Blake Solomon, Brian Solomon, and Monique Solomon; and his beloved dog, Eli. Our world is forever changed in Justin’s absence.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Justin Solomon’s memory to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
A private funeral will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.