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Name: |
" Shaneeka T Burton " |
D.O.B: |
07/16/1991 |
D.O.D |
08/23/2024 |
Country From: |
USA |
State /
Parish: |
New York |
Place of Death |
Queens
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Service Date |
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Details: |
The viewing for the late Shaneeka Burton will be held at Lemuel Haynes Congregational United Church of Christ located at 146-09 116th Ave Jamaica. The viewing will be from 10-11am following the funeral service at 11AM.
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Special Info |
~ Life & Legacy ~
The 33 years granted to SHANEEKA TAMOY BURTON were filled with ups and downs, but also
excitement and adventure. On Tuesday July 16,1991 at the Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn,
New York in the United States of America, Shaneeka stepped into her earthly roles as daughter,
sister, niece, cousin and friend. Her birth meant God had granted her family the baby girl they all
were longing for.
Shaneeka was a remarkable person, full of life and kindness. She was frank and she could get
spicy but her warmth was evident in every interaction. We will not forget her infectious laughter
that could light up a room, and her spirit was a beacon of hope for all who knew her.
Although she was a native of the USA, fate would have it that Shaneeka spent her formative years
from as early as 3 months, with her grandparents Linnette and Wilbert Carney (now deceased)
and her aunt Mervelene and her husband Carlton. Her brother Shane, and cousins Aleeysha,
Tirshatha and Terrence also played significant roles in Shaneeka’s life. They were one big happy
extended family. Both in USA and Jamaica this beautiful baby girl was showered with love.
Shaneeka bonded with her Jamaican family well. In 1993, her grandmother Mother Carney, (to
whom she was very dear), suffered a stroke and died suddenly. This was devastating for the
family for whom she was the God-given matriarch. At that time picking up the pieces and
readjusting was not easy but the family united as they had to move on.
While in Jamaica, Shaneeka was enrolled in her first school Pinnock’s Preparatory at Bushy Park
in May Pen Clarendon. Upon completion, she was given high commendation in all areas.
Shaneeka then became a student of the May Pen Primary in Clarendon, Jamaica, where she only
spent a year because the time came for her and Shane, (her older brother) to join their mother in
Queens, New York in the USA.
Shaneeka returned to her homeland and continued her trend of educational success at PS15-
The Jackie Robinson School and later at Hillcrest High School. Thereafter she started her nursing
career at Lincoln Technical Institute. From there she matriculated to ASA COLLEGE where she
was reading for a Bachelor degree in Nursing. Shaneeka excelled academically there but
unfortunately, she became ill shortly before completing the degree and had to take a leave of
absence. When she recovered and wanted to continue her studies she got the most devastating
news that in order to be readmitted she had to re-do all the courses she did before. She became
discouraged and never returned.
The disappointment with school did not dampen her love for the nursing field. She secured
employment at various Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Agencies. Her work ethic was that of a
consummate professional who typified what Jamaicans call a “workaholic”. Her only debilitating
challenge was her health issue and frequent hospitalization. However, once she was discharged,
she would be back to work, same spell. When Shaneeka saw many of her contemporaries
refusing to work, she would become sad and wish she could trade spaces with them and she
never stopped asking God why me?
To her family, Shaneeka was nothing short of a miracle. This began years ago when as a child
she developed a lump (about the size of a grape) at her neck. Her Pediatrician suggested removal
by surgery, but her mom took her to GNRC Albany Avenue, Hartford in Connecticut where the
church consulted “Dr. Jesus”. She experienced her first Miracle and divine healing.
A few years later when Shaneeka was about 12 years she was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes
which would become a lifelong battle. She overcame many bouts of Diabetic Ketoasidosis which
caused her to be hospitalized at several Intervals. Again and again, we saw God miraculously
helping her through some besetting health challenges. Admittedly Shaneeka’s condition made
her cry and wish for better days but her faith grew and she developed an indefatigable spirit.
Diabetes affected her lifestyle and threatened to dampen Shaneeka’s ambitions of becoming a
nurse and living independently. Shaneeka grew close with her mom Cecilia who became her
friend and confidant. She accepted Jesus as her Savior and was a member of the Good News
Release Centre Bronx NY and then the Lemuel Haynes Congregational United Church of
Christ.
Her family and friends will always remember her outgoing personality. Oh, Shaneeka loved to
dress up and get titivated be it for church, or just to have good times with family or friends.
She was a foodie who knew her way around the kitchen. Boy she had a way to whip up some
tasty meal in a short time, much to the delight of herself and her family. These succulent memories
will forever be cherished, and will serve as a reminder of the talented person she was.
Shaneeka was the rose among the three thorns in her home: Daddy, Shane, Shaquille and
Shaquaine. They protected and loved her and she was also the apple of her dear mom’s eye.
Her ambition at all times was to be independent and this was an impetus to all of her achievements
in her 3 decade plus, life. To this end, she secured and furnished her own apartment only days
before falling ill.
On the fateful morning, she complained of unusual feelings. Everyone thought that as usual she
would bounce right back again. Her parents prepared her for the Emergency Room. God had
other plans and after a short hospitalization her battle ended in victory on August 23, 2024 when
God called to her eternal home.
We honor Shaneeka’s memory by embracing the qualities she exemplified: her spiciness,
frankness, compassion, her courage, and her ability to find beauty in the simplest moments. Her
legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and every life she touched. Let us find comfort in
knowing that her spirit continues to inspire us as we navigate our lives without her.
There is never a convenient time for any of us to die. Life has its tides, the highs and the lows.
Shaneeka’s life was: “Like a comet, blazing 'cross the evening sky and like a rainbow fading in
the twinkling of an eye…Gone too soon…”
Shaneeka is survived by her:
o Parents: Cecilia and Garfield,
o Siblings: Shane McCarty, Shaquille Burton and Shaquaine Burton,
o Aunts: Mervelene Carney Russell and Nora Carney,
o Cousins: Aleeysha Robinson, Tirshatha Russell, Terrence Russell and Anekay Kelly,
o Niece: Khiana McCarty,
o Nephew: Khimani McCarty
o Other relatives, church family and friends.
Though she is gone from this world, Shaneeka's light will continue to shine in our hearts. Let us
remember her for the joy she brought to our lives.
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