Katie Marie Justice

Some of my favorite times when I was a teenager was playing chase with Katie at halftime of basketball games or reading her an occasional bedtime story. She was the best little-kid friend a weirdo could have, and I see that she grew into a loving, compassionate adult who served the people around her. I have no adequate words to express my sorrow at her passing or to capture the love I send to her family, who was once my family. I am so sorry. I love you all.

I had the pleasure of working with Katie. She came to my rescue with resources, encouragement, and support to help a student. Katie is humble and willing to help whenever needed. She will be greatly missed. Prayers lifted!

Katie was Daniel's 1st teacher at Earlywood. She could always reach him when no one else could. She was a special person and she will be greatly missed. Thank you Ms. Justice for loving my Daniel and showing him kindness when so many others didn't. We will be forever grateful.

My thoughts and prayers are with Katie's family and friends during this very difficult time. Katie and I worked at Earlywood together for almost 5 years. Not only was Katie one of the kindest souls, but also wicked smart. When we would have meetings to discuss behavior or classroom observations, it often happened that we would tell her how we loved how her brain worked when coming up with new ideas to try. She would just be so humble and brush it off with a "nah..." I connected with Katie because her and I shared similar personalities (quiet at first, but once you get to know her she would support you in any way she could), Jeep waves while passing on our morning drop-offs on the way to work, and, perhaps, most importantly--sharing our awkward social interactions with others. We called it "#TeamAwkward." It helped lighten all of the discussions on our other connection--helping students and teachers. Rachel, Katie, and myself would jokingly invite people in as honorary members. Katie and I would see each other in the hallway and say "I've got a funny one to share" and compare it to previous situations. We each knew that it most likely wasn't about any funny student stories, but about something embarrassing we had done or said ourselves. She is and will continue to be so deeply missed.

Dear Family: We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences on Katie’s passing. The Compassionate Friends is an international, non-denominational, grief support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family. We meet monthly on the first Wednesday at the New Hope Church, 5307 Fairview Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142 and on the third Tuesday at the Epworth United Methodist, 6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Both meetings begin at 6:30pm. If, and when, you are ready to do so, please join us for either, or both, meetings. We Need Not Walk Alone. We are The Compassionate Friends. The Compassionate Friends Central Indiana Chapter (317) 681-4292 (April) Local Website: www.tcfcentralindiana.org National Website: www.compassionatefriends.org

When I think of Katie, I will always smile. She had a golden touch with some of the most difficult students. As a behavior coach, she taught them the skills they needed to coexist in a classroom with their typical peers and then she realized her passion by becoming a BCBA. She had a hard time saying ‘no’ to anyone and I am so thankful for that! When I needed someone to coach the JV team at FCHS, she said ‘yes’, even though she bled Woodmen green. She had some very challenging players, but in spite of that, those same players LOVED Katie as their coach. I am thankful for that season, getting to know Katie better. As several of my colleagues have more eloquently stated….Katie is a ROCKSTAR! We will go on, but we will miss Katie—her knowledge, advice and smile like crazy.

On behalf of Franklin Community Schools, we extend our deepest sympathies to Katie's family, friends, and colleagues. She shared her expertise with staff which was always to the students' benefit. She was a true professional and will be remembered for her knowledge, patience, poise, and grace.

When we become parents we have so many dreams and expectations for how it will be. So often parents have those dreams altered when their child does not develop on the same trajectory as their peers. Things most of us take for granted become daily reminders on the unobtainable lives they dreamed of. When Katie started working with these children she was able to do something that others had not. She gave families hope that, while their child might be different, they could still enjoy some of the simple joys of parenting. Getting to go out to dinner as a family, hearing their child say, “I love you”, unprompted hugs, being able to go to church… so many families shared stories of things they could do with their child that they never thought would be possible. Watching Katie work out a problem was a display of dedication, determination and beauty. She worked with data and numbers like a musician putting notes on a page. She was analytical and compassionate at the same time. She was humble and sneaky funny, always willing to laugh at herself and call us out if we did something ridiculous. There were so many times she had me laughing so hard I would be crying in my office. Now I find myself crying for a new reason.The idea of doing this job without her seems insurmountable. I know if I told her that she would say, “whatever” and tell me I will be just fine. While knowing she is gone is heartbreaking, through the tears I still find myself smiling because I cannot think of her without my mind running to some funny situation, joke, story or picture she sent me. It will be hard without her but we will find a way to help deliver hope to the families as she would have, knowing we will fall short without her while we work though the bitter sweet memories of laughing with her and missing her at the same time. Smiling through the tears. She will always be a part of us and all of the families she helped.

On behalf of the Edinburgh Community School Corporation, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Katie. We lift up Katie, her family, and friends in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget the impact she had on our students and community.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Katie’s family. Katie was such a beautiful person inside and out. I had the privilege to know and work with Katie over the last several years. Katie’s intelligence and skills working with children who struggled behavioral was outstanding. Anytime I needed advice, direction, insight, etc with a student, she always was there with knowledge to share. Not only did she impact me, but the students she helped me with and the students we shared together. Katie will truly be missed, but her witty, fun, and beautiful personality will live on in our memories.

Katie's knowledge of behavior will be deeply missed. Katie was always willing to help in every way possible. She will always be a role model to me about how to be a resource and servant to others.

Many of our educators worked closely with Katie, she was deeply respected and valued by our community. We are very saddened by her loss. She will be dearly missed.

The Earlywood Family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved colleague, Katie. She was one of the kindest and most genuine people on the planet. Katie used her knowledge and leadership as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to positively impact the lives of hundreds of students with autism and their families. She also supported and encouraged thousands of teachers to implement evidence-based practices in their classrooms. Her reach in our community is beyond measure. We're better educators and humans because we knew her. We send our deepest condolences to Katie's family. Angie Balsley, Earlywood Executive Director

Caje and I send our deepest condolences. He just loved Ms. Justice and she was one of his saving graces. She was there for him anytime he needed her and always knew exactly how to calm him. She was his pop parlor buddy! Katie will be so missed at NC by every student and staff! She touched so many lives! She was one of the most caring and dedicated people we have ever met!! Bless her!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.