Service of Illumination in Memory of Shanita Eure Lewis

Memories THE LOVING

MAGAZINE

Loving Mother, Daughter, Sister, Family Member & Friend

A Faithful Servant and Devoted Leader September 4, 1986

July 17, 2022

Order of Worship

Rev. Todd Smith, Sr., Worship Leader

Musical Prelude

Musical Selection

GBC Music Ministry

Scripture Reading Old Testament

Bishop Charles Smith

New Testament

Min. Oleatha Bethea

Words/Prayer of Comfort

Pastor Jerome Barber

Musical Selection

GBC Music Ministry

Acknowledgments

Tinisha Williams

Video of Remembrance Moment of Reflection

Alisha Foster Deidra Bethea Shenique Bethea

Musical Selection Eulogy

Pastor Marcus Jennings Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr.

Illumination Ceremony Benediction

Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr.

Dove Release Ceremony to Follow

The Early Years Shanita MiKell Eure was born on September 4, 1986, in Newport News, VA. What a radiant soul from the start! She was the cherished daughter of Sherry B. Eure-Cooper and Derell “Tony” Eure.

Shanita was such a loving and kind child, and her presence brought much joy to her family. As often as she would be told by her mom, “I love You.”, The sweet voice would return with the response of “I love-e you.” This began her new found nickname to be “Love” (pronounced Lovey). This name was so fitting and little did anyone know it would be her life’s testimony. Shanita was light everywhere she went. She was mannerable and known to be a good girl who never gave her family any trouble.

She was studious and was a student leader.

She was held in high regard by not only her teachers but her peers, as well. A product of the Hampton City School system, Shanita found a special place in the marching band of her high school, proudly blowing her horn, the trumpet.

She received so many honors and awards that recognize her academic and leadership success. Shanita was a distinguished graduate of Kecoughtan High School, Hampton, VA, Class of 2004.

“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD IS FAMILY AND LOVE.” -JOHN WOODEN

It’s A Family Affair Shanita was a force in her family. Even before starting her own, she loved her family and often bore the responsibility of keeping everyone together.

She adored her great grandparents, and treasured her grandparents. She cared for them and was a great help to assist as a caregiver in the time of need. She held a special place in her heart for her Aunt Dee Dee who she admired, followed and even succeeded in ministry. Her sisters were her pride and joy. They would show sisterly love and be there for one another at every turn of events in life. Her nieces and nephews also became the focus affection. She provided a safe haven for them and was the best auntie and sometimes the mom voice they needed to hear. Her love for her family grew and grew even as she began her own family.

When Shanita became a mother, her heart melted and she was filled with joy, peace and happiness. Caleb and Christian were her reasons to live.

They had a very special bond. The love she held for her boys knew no bounds, and she would move mountains for their happiness. She enjoyed playing basketball, games and dancing with them. She was patient with them and loved them both individually. She supported their interests, educational successes, spiritual walks and exposed them to cultures through travel and other experiences. They asked, and mom delivered; not spoiled just well loved. She was given the responsibility of being a loving mom and she took the challenge and made their lives just as adventurous as hers.

Community Involvement and Leadership Shanita's influence reached far beyond her church and workplace touching deep into her larger community. As Campaign Manager for mayoral candidate, Pastor Christopher Carter, she showcased her exceptional leadership skills, strategic planning abilities along with her competitive acumen. She brought those same set of skills a Coordinator for the The Pastors’ Wives Empowerment Conference - a reflection of her ongoing dedication to uplift and serve others.

Shanita was a cornerstone in Fostering Leadership and Ministry Excellence, Inc. (F.L.A.M.E.) and supporting any endeavor or venture in which her church, Pastor, or First Lady was involved. She proudly took the lead in coordinating the Consecration and Elevation Service to the Office of Bishop for Pastor Riddick. In every sense of the word, Shanita was a willing worker who always got the job done at any cost.

Remembering Shanita Attributes That Defined Her

Shanita was an extravagant giver, who was kind-hearted, compassionate, and loving.

Whenever she gave, she always did so with joy and excitement. Her intelligence, creativity, and boundless energy inspired those fortunate enough to know her. She was courageous, thoughtful, and reliable.

Shanita's humor, patience, and optimism made her a source of strength for many of her peers and family members. She was adventurous, hardworking, charismatic. energetic, full of personality and warm hearted. This left an infectious imprint upon everyone who encountered her.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY A Woman That Feared The Lord

From the beginning, Shanita’s spiritual journey was cultivated at Gethsemane Baptist Church.

She sang with the Children's choir and danced with the Youth Praise Dancers; and she participated in the GYM Youth Worship experience. Her faith in God grew stronger as an adult. Her involvement and leadership in the ministry was invaluable. She sang with New Dimension Young Adult Choir and loved to sing the hymns of the church. For a few years, she led the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, to celebrate her Pastor. Her encouragement to the congregation to honor the man and woman of God would ignite the spirit of celebration within the congregation.

Additionally, Shanita was appointed as the Minister of Records where she took notes at vision meetings, and prepared condolence letters in support of the bereaved families. She was such a dedicated young lady who was always available to any ministry or ministry event to serve and fill in the gaps. Her proudest moment was being elevated to the Diaconate Ministry as a Deaconess-in-Training. She was overjoyed and excited because she had accomplished a life long mission.

& A Fashionista In her leisure time, Shanita was an event planning expert, bringing happiness to others through meticulously organized parties, weddings and other events.

Shanita found peace and relaxation in her love for worldwide traveling to blue water destinations. An avid reader, Shanita loved a good book.

Ultimately, she was a shopping enthusiast, high heel shoe wearing, fashion and stylish lady, are just a few character traits for which Shanita will be remembered. Shopping was her favorite past time. If she found a good sale, she purchased it, even if it wasn’t for her. Shanita had a gift in fashion and her confidence matched.

Cherished Family Shanita is survived by the loves of her life, sons Caleb and Christian Lewis; adoring parents, Sherry B. Eure-Cooper and Derell “Tony” Eure; loving sisters Shenique, Deidra, and Tonita; along with her Great Aunt, Deidra Bethea and Great Uncle Michael Bethea. She leaves behind a legacy of love within her extended family—nieces Shekela (Mark), Shekiya (Trivone), Sha’Dajah (Tywain), McKenzie and nephews Jah’keem and Darius, as well as greatnieces and nephews Elijah, Emanuel, Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Kaiden. Cousins Kenya, Kia, Michael, Christopher, and Crystal were more than family, - they were lifelong friends. The list of friends, acquaintances and well-wishers of Shanita are long and lasting.

“THE ONES WE LOVE NEVER TRULY LEAVE US. THEY LIVE ON IN THE MEMORIES WE HOLD DEAR, THE STORIES WE SHARE, AND THE LOVE THAT CONTINUES TO CONNECT US, EVEN BEYOND THE PHYSICAL REALM. REMEMBERING LOVED ONES WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY IS NOT JUST A TRIBUTE TO THEIR EXISTENCE; ITS A WAY TO KEEP THEIR SPIRIT ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS, FINDING CONSOLATION IN THE ENDURING IMPACT THEY’VE HAD ON OUR LIVES.”

Forever in Our Hearts As Shanita MiKell Eure joins her loved ones in heaven—GreatGrandparents Luther and Ethel Bethea, Grandparents Calvin and Shirley Bethea, and Uncle Jeffery Bethea—her memory lives on in the hearts of her family, extended family members, and close friends.

By faith, we are sure that she is peacefully resting in the loving and eternal arms of our Heavenly Father.

“THOUGH ABSENT IN PERSON, YOU ARE PRESENT IN OUR HEARTS. YOU ARE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, FOR YOUR ESSENCE LINGERS IN THE CHERISHED MEMORIES AND THE INDELIBLE MARKS YOU LEFT ON OUR LIVES.”

In the tapestry of time, roots run deep, Family bonds, memories to keep.

Through joy and sorrow, a resilient song, In the heart’s garden, where love belongs.

Branches may sway in the winds of fate, Yet the family tree will not abate.

Seasons change, and moments fly, But the essence of kinship will never die.

In laughter shared and tears embraced, The legacy of love can’t be erased.

An everlasting connection, strong and true, Family lives on, a timeless hue.

So, in the garden of life that continues to grow, The roots of family forever bestow, A tapestry woven, a story told, In the echoes of love, generations unfold.