Shahonna Anderson

Shahonna Tawan Anderson was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was intelligent, witty, caring, and with a heart of gold. She made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. We pause and are gathered here today to reflect the memory of our beloved daughter Shahonna who departed her earthly vessel On Tuesday, November 26th, 2024, in Brooklyn, New York.

Shahonna was born on February 10, 1980, to Celeste Renee Anderson and James Monroe Harvey. Shahonna’s love for her family, friends, and, most importantly, the Lord, was the foundation of her life. She was deeply dedicated to helping others and began her career as a teacher, finding joy in working with children.

Shahonna attended P.S. 312 and 269, I.S. Shellbank and Sheepshead Bay High School, later matriculating at CUNY's NYC Technical & LaGuardia Community College New York. She later earned her Master’s degree in Psychology and transitioned to the legal field, becoming a skilled Paralegal. Throughout her career, her commitment to serving others remained constant. Shahonna worked for the firm Morgan & Morgan for several years, where she served as their Paralegal/Office Manager. It was there where she blended her skills in paralegal work and psychology to make a positive impact.

Shahonna was a member of Washington Temple Church of God in Christ, Inc., for many years under the pastorage of Pastor Robert L. Madison. She attended church with her grandma, Missionary Evangelist Sister Shirley Mae Anderson who preceded her in death and who was also Shahonna’s Sunday School Teacher. Shahonna was a student of Children’s Church & YPWW, Friday night youth services, and Vacation Bible School. She could often be heard singing in the Celestial Echoes and the Voices of Hope choirs. Shahonna was a youth usher and a radio announcer for youth night broadcast on the 4th Friday of the month for Sunday morning broadcast on WWRL1600 gospel radio station. Shahonna later became a member of Christian Cultural Center (CCC) at their Brooklyn campus.

A true lover of food, Shahonna had a passion for cooking and feeding others. She appreciated food from all cultures and could cook it all, always taking great joy in watching people savor her creations. Her love for food led her to start her own catering business, “Southern Comfort”. She often dreamed of opening a speakeasy called “Shonnie’s Place” a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

Shahonna’s love for music was another defining aspect of her life. She began singing in the church choir as a little girl and continued to express herself through music well into adulthood. Shahonna’s musical tastes were as diverse as her personality, but she especially loved Soca and was always ready to dance and travel. Shahonna was an avid traveler, and she traveled to many countries. She was also an avid reader. Shahonna met her soulmate Gary many years ago in Brooklyn. They shared seventeen wonderful years with each other. They shared many wonderful memories together. Her connection & love for Caribbean culture, was through her connection and love for Gary, her soulmate and friend, whom she cherished deeply. Together they raised Gary’s daughters: Ceara and Gianna, whom she lovingly referred to as “hers”, showering them with love and care as if they were her own.

With energy unmatched and a presence that could light up any room, Shahonna’s radiant smile and encouraging words were a source of comfort and inspiration to many. Whether to friends, family, or strangers, she always had a kind word and a generous spirit.

Shahonna was a fighter. A survivor of cancer and a courageous warrior against Myasthenia Gravis. She faced each challenge with faith and strength. Her unwavering belief in God gave her the strength to keep going and never giving up.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Shahonna’s fight ended when the Lord called her home to rest in His loving arms. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. We are deeply grateful to Gary, his family, and her closest friends for their unwavering support and love until the very end.

Shahonna is survived by her dear mother Celeste Renee Anderson; her father James Monroe Harvey; her uncle Ricky; her siblings: Darnell, Kareem, Zakeia, Shayna, Betty, Fantasia and Kristen; one godchild, nieces, nephews, her special friends: Teadra, Miasia and Daphne; her friends and family at Morgan & Morgan; and a wide circle of loving friends and family and her loving dog Suede. To know Shahonna was to love her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will never be forgotten.

A special thank you to the team at Morgan & Morgan for their excellent support towards Shahonna and her family.

Lovingly Submitted