Shayla Sharitta McClain

Sharitta McClain (nee: Todd) was born on December 13, 1975 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was the only child born to Dr. Patricia Bryant and the late Recordo Todd. Shyla was a happy baby, a free spirit, and a true joy to her family. She loved music and movement. Shay would bounce in her crib and sing, 'My Boogie Shoes', causing anyone who watched her to laugh out loud. Not only was she the 'apple of her mother's eye', but the joy she would bring to other people was evident. Her favorite colors were purple and pink. An only child, Shyla enjoyed sharing with others. Her room was her oasis. It was packed with toys, books, dress-up gear, games, color, and all things 'Pooh'. She spent many playful weekends in the company of her cousins, Racheal and Chico. As Shyla grew, so did her desire to help and care for others. She was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and enjoyed taking care of her pet cat, Romeo. She developed a joy for cooking and spending time with her 'grand mommy', helping her cook Thanksgiving meals. She also found pleasure in crafting, roller-skating, and swimming. Maturing into adulthood, Shyla favorite color narrowed to purple and she developed a fondness for 'Mickey Mouse'. During this time she ventured out, met, and was embraced by the McClain family. There she would find and marry the love of her life, Frankie. This was the beginning of Shyla true joy, 'motherhood'. Shyla was deeply devoted to her family. Though she wore her heart on her sleeve, she expressed her true emotions on her face. If she was happy you knew it, and if she wasn't...stay out of her way! Shyla nurturing reached outside of her family. She opened her home to many who needed a place to stay for a while. She was an excellent cook. She would spend hours concocting new recipes to please her family members and friends. Some of her signature dishes were chicken and dumplings, curry chicken, and jambalaya, as well as her husband's favorite...hog maws and chitterlings. You know you're a great cook when you can make something you don't really eat! And don't forget dessert! She made all different types of cheesecakes, as well as her grandmother's cherry crumb cake. Her devotion to her family was inspiring. She wanted her children to have the best opportunities. Fearing the fast-paced city life, she and Frankie took a brave and bold step, gathered up their six beautiful children-Joseph, Frank, Sam, Isis, Tana, and Eve, and moved from New Jersey to North Carolina. They lived there for six blissful years. Shyla leaves to mourn: her husband, Frank McClain; her children, Joseph, Frank, Samuel, Isis, Quintana, and Evalise; her mother, Dr. Patricia Bryant; her father-in-law, Frank McClain, Jr.; her grandmother, Harriet Bryant; her sisters-in-law, Shannon and LaWanda McClain, Sabrina and Tiffany Mazyck; as well as her granddaughter, Harmony Latin. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, as well as her godmother, Michelle Hirsch-Brown, and two god sisters. Shyla will be surely missed and will be forever in our hearts.