OBITUARY

JaiAnna "Kitty" or "JJ" Makayla Shafer

December 12, 2006 – February 11, 2021
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JaiAnna "Kitty" or "JJ" Makayla Shafer

Beautiful, brilliant, and all too briefly with us, JaiAnna Makayla Shafer, entered heaven on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the age of 14.

Throughout her short life, JaiAnna, “Kitty” or “JJ”, was known for her very witty and feisty personality, loving heart, generous spirit, and genuine, specific, original style that she owned and loved. Her favorite color was black, because she said, “it matches everything.” JaiAnna loved skateboarding and spending time at Union Skate Park every chance she could get. If she weren’t skateboarding, she was always sketching, drawing, painting in her sketchbooks, on shoes, clothes, rocks, tables, pretty much anywhere she could. She loved listening to various genres of music from alternative, metal, independent, to feel-good pop music. If she wasn't doing any of these she was reading...constantly, lost in a book. JaiAnna enjoyed hanging out with several people that she considered her best friends: Scarlett, Kendal, Haydn, Jazmine, Kamryn, Angie, & Cece; but none more than her oldest sister, Jayna Leilani. JaiAnna genuinely loved all her siblings. All those fortunate enough to have known and loved her will miss her immensely.

JaiAnna was born on December 12, 2006 to Jennifer Periales Shafer at Balboa Naval Medical Center “NMSCD” in San Diego, California. In 2008, the Shafer Family relocated to Tolleson, Arizona. It wasn’t until 2014, that they moved to Glendale, Arizona. The majority of JaiAnna’s school attendance was at Bellair Elementary School and Desert Sky Middle School, where she was either on Honor Roll or Principal’s List since the third grade. Throughout the years, JaiAnna was a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix for most of her school years, having attended the Rozenzweig, Tolleson, Sands, & Tri-City West BGC’s. JaiAnna had played the saxophone in band at school, sports with the BGC programs, volunteered with her mom and Gramma Lisa, attended the kids’ program at Grace Walk Church, volunteered with the BGC programs to help support our nation’s troops; preparing care packages, assisting and comforting elders and veterans within assisted living centers, and helped all those around her in general. JaiAnna unfortunately experienced bullying first-hand through elementary and even at times in middle school. Although she may have faced certain hardships like most kids, JaiAnna was strong. She overcame. She became empowered within herself, and ultimately became a light to those who found themselves within similar predicaments. JaiAnna has a truly remarkable, genuine character, with a beautiful soul.

In the beginning, JaiAnna was raised solely by her mother, Jennifer. JaiAnna and Jayna called themselves and their mom, “the trio”, because it was mainly the three of them and God seemingly against the world for a time. Ultimately, JaiAnna was able to become a part of a huge, loving, blended family with numerous family members and people who came to love and adore her.

Thank you JaiAnna, though our time was short together, you made our lives that much more beautiful... Thank you for all of our random talks and for always checking in on your mother... I love you so much, baby girl. We all love you! Rest easy sweetheart, until we meet, again. You're forever in our hearts... always and forever. Love, Mom

JaiAnna is survived by her mother and stepfather Jennifer (Joseph) Shafer (Rivera); Father, Christopher Aguilar Armington; Stepfathers, Joseph Marcos Rivera and Joshua Lee Postgate; her siblings: Jayna Leilani, Jacey Liora, Julian, & Christian; all of her loving grandparents: Amelia "Mama A" Periales & Richard "Lolo Rick" Pearce, Robert "G-Bob" & Ritchel “Mama Cheng” Shafer, Jose "Tata Bogie" Rivera & Kristie "Nana" Doughty, Lisa "Gramma" & Jeff "Grandpa" McAffee, Crisanto "Lolo" & Marlene "Lola" Armington, and Isolda "Abuelita" DeJesus; her great-grandmother, Teresita "Grandma" Domingo Shafer. As well as many more extended family members, which includes many cousins, aunts, and uncles (Such as, Mama V, Papa B, Uncle Vic, Uncle Vins, Uncle Virgil, Auntie Valerie, Uncle Izzy, Tia Jessica, Auntie Tina, Uncly Sly, Uncly Tony, Uncle Robert, Auntie Miranda, Uncle Alex, Auntie Janele, Auntie Bea, Auntie Clare, Uncle Nath, Uncle Jakey, Uncle, Jared, Uncle Jaden, Uncle Rory, just too many to name...) Her close or those considered her best friends Scarlett, Kamryn, Kendal, Haydn, Jazmine, Angie, CeCe, Charlie; her boy friend, Orlando “Orange Juice”, and many more friends and classmates.

JaiAnna is preceded by her stepmother, Tamanne “Tam” Smith Armington, great-aunt, Caridad “Caring” Mirador, & her friend, Ella Thomas. Rest in peace, beautiful ladies. Please take care of our JaiAnna.

To honor JaiAnna’s wishes there will be no funeral service. A celebration of JaiAnna’s life and visitation will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 2:00-6:00 pm at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301. In light of COVID, Chapel of the Chimes with accommodate up to 100 guests with social-distancing measures in place. If you are unable to attend JaiAnna's services due to COVID, we sincerely understand. You may view the service live stream by clicking on the link for Live Stream.

Please do not feel obligated to do so, but if you are inclined to, JaiAnna's memorial donations may be made by contacting the Chapel of the Chimes directly to help with JaiAnna's services.

Please know that Jennifer, Joseph, Chris, and Joshua would like to thank you whole-heartedly in advance for all of your thoughts, prayers, compassion, and support for the passing of their daughter, JaiAnna Makayla Shafer. Heaven truly gained an amazing angel... Though times are hard, JaiAnna would not want us to be sad, she would want us to rejoice in her name, live our lives to the fullest, and be at peace.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.”

--Reinhold Niebuhr

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LIVESTREAM SERVICE
27 February

Visitation

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

7924 North 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301

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27 February

Funeral Service

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

7924 North 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301

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JaiAnna "Kitty" or "JJ" Makayla Shafer

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Kendal Kasem

February 27, 2021

Kendal Kasem

February 27, 2021

Barbara Nunez

February 26, 2021

JaiAnna a most beautiful baby girl. I remember you were one of my first children that I cared for in the nursery at Grace Walk Church and I loved seeing you grow up. Love and I’ll miss you.

Joshua Postgate

February 26, 2021

When Jaianna was a little girl there were many days that I would get to stay home with her while her sister was at school and her mom was at work. We would spend alot of time playing and watching her favorite shows together. She was always the sweetest person with a huge personality that didn't match her tiny size. I love her so much and I will always miss her.

cece davies

February 25, 2021

i remember we would always hang out at the skatepark and she was always so nice to me and such a genuine person, when i first went to the skatepark, she’s the person who greeted me to everyone and got me out of my shy stage. she was always there for me and i miss her so much🖤 fly high kitty we love you🕊 <3

Cris Armington

February 25, 2021

Condolences to the whole family. It is a tragic and violent death to such a loved one. Hoping this is the last such tragedy within our family. We love you Jaianna, we will meet again.

Nana Kristie & Tata Bogie Rivera

February 25, 2021

When JaiAnna came into our lives she was only 8yrs old so little but yet so full of life with the Biggest smile and so very very lovable over the years we watched her grow into a beautiful smart young lady with a very special and unique style that we all loved about her she was not afraid to show who she was and her talent showed through in her drawings and sketches I will always treasure our memories and there will not be a day that goes by we will not think about or miss our sweet granddaughter JaiAnna

JulieAnn Bishop

February 24, 2021

There were very small moments that I was able to share with dearest JaiAnna. And in those small moments I saw how fast she grew into this wonderous, beautiful, spirited young lady. She was always full of love and I always felt that when she would hug me and tell me how much she loved me. It was unconditional. Even til now I see how her unconditional love still makes a huge impact in our lives. Jenn, you did a phenomenal job raising her 💞 celebrating your life is an Honor my sweet girl. The boys miss you Ate JaiAnna and they know you'll watch over them. Make sure your keep them in line okay! Your Uncle Conrad and I love and miss you dearly. Love you sweet girl.

Lillian Keppen

February 24, 2021

JaiAnna was a beloved member of the Sands Boys and Girls Club for several years. She was always a favorite member of mine and of the Staff and her fellow members. She had an infectious smile and she truly brightened our days. JaiAnna was helpful and enjoyed being involved in many activities here at the club.
In 2018 JaiAnna was chosen to be the "Kid of the Year" for the Sands Club. She was asked to worked hard through many meetings during that journey. When the time came JaiAnna delivered her speech with grace and connfidence and she looked beautiful on the celebration night, with many people in the audience. She was a shining star and she will live forever in our hearts.

Valerie Sandoval

February 23, 2021

Jaianna baby, I still can’t find the words to say to express how heartbroken I am ... I do know that you are in a much better place because you get to be with God in his beautiful kingdom. I want you to know that I love you very much and you will be missed tremendously!! Until we meet again baby girl!!! Please Give the twins a big kiss for me!!! Auntie loves you!!! May you rest easy in grace & love!!!

FROM THE FAMILY

Gift from God

FROM THE FAMILY

Welcome, JaiAnna Makayla Shafer
@Balboa NMCSD San Diego, CA
Uncle Robert & Uncle Alex were there to welcome you, too, baby girl - we love you so much

FROM THE FAMILY

Our sweet, JaiAnna Makayla

FROM THE FAMILY

Lolo's girls, Happy Halloween 2007
Spring Valley, CA

FROM THE FAMILY

Mama Amy & Tigger JaiAnna
Happy Halloween 2007
Spring Valley, CA

FROM THE FAMILY

Happy Easter 2007, JaiAnna & Ate Jayna

FROM THE FAMILY

Rawr, JaiAnna
Phoenix, AZ

FROM THE FAMILY

JaiAnna & Grandpa Jeff
Phoenix, AZ

FROM THE FAMILY

Daddy Joshua cutting the cake with JaiAnna & Jayna
Tolleson, AZ

FROM THE FAMILY

Ahhh!!! Gramma Lisa & JaiAnna
Phoenix, AZ