Shantavia Dennard Life Celebration Program

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L O V I N G

M E M O R Y

MARCH 29, 1984 – FEBRUARY 12, 2024 "Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her."

Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 1:00 PM West Hunter Street Baptist Church 1040 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30310

Shantavia Marie Dennard, fondly known as Shan, graced our world with her radiant presence on March 29, 1984. Her journey began as a young girl filled with boundless curiosity and creativity, a true force of nature destined for greatness. Born to Mr. Johnny W. Dennard and Barbara Dennard, Shan's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

From rockin' the playground at Heard's Ferry Elementary to holding it down at Camp Creek Middle School, Shan was always about pursuing the truth and standing up for what's right.

Nobody was gonna mess with her or her crew, because Shan always had their backs, no matter what. Through Girl Scouts and cheerleading in middle school and while participating in the STEM program as a member of the Benjamin E. Mays High School Class of 2002, Shan constantly stood out as a leader, blazing trails and leaving her mark everywhere she went.

Shan wasn’t just about talking the talk, she was about walking the walk, too. As she blossomed into womanhood, she embraced every facet of her being with unwavering confidence and grace. As a stylist and beauty expert, Shan's hands worked magic, transforming lives and boosting confidence with every brushstroke and curl. She knew she had a gift, and made sure not to keep it to herself. But it wasn't just about the outer beauty for Shan; it was about the inner beauty too, the spiritual and emotional inheritance she passed on to her children, Liam Tyree Dennard Allen and Gia Arie Dahlia Allen, and to all who knew her.

After high school, Shan pursued her dreams with gusto, starting at Georgia Southern University before going on to earn her Associate’s in Education from Georgia Military College and then finishing up at Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. But no matter where her journey took her, Shan never forgot her roots, always giving back to her community and helping to elevate others along the way.

After completing her collegiate studies, Shan took her talents back to where it all began, her old elementary school. She was all about making sure every kid had a shot at success, just like she did.

But let's not forget about Shan's heart of gold. Whether she was throwing down in the kitchen or dropping gems of soulful advice, Shan had this authentic way of bringing people together and making them feel like family.

With the wisdom of the ages and the spirit of a warrior, Shan dedicated herself to the service of others, touching countless lives with her boundless compassion and generosity. Shan even embedded this trait while working in elementary schools and AthenaHealth. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.

In addition to two devoted, loving parents, Shan leaves two children whom she adored, Liam Tyree Dennard Allen and Gia Arie Dahlia Allen; her brother Johnathan Matisse Dennard (Latoya), sister Nicole Smith, nieces Courtney, Shari, Nauhdia, Jani, and Jayla, best friends DeOnna Dalton, Monica Collins, David Gunn, and a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

Kenny Brabham, Saxophonist

Prelude Processional

Clergy, Family & Friends “Fear is Not My Future” by Todd Galberth, feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Musical Selection

Charles Jackson “Nobody Greater”

Vocal Performance

Wes Lee, Soloist

Opening Prayer

Reverend Brandon Green

Scripture Reading Old Testament New Testament

Psalms 91 Revelation 21:1-7

Tamia L. Goodman Kandie Middlebrooks

Vocal Performance

“Grateful”

Willie Brassell, Soloist

Reflections

Mr. George Isler, Family Friend Ms. Bernice Montgomery, Family Friend Up to 5 volunteer remarks to follow, (limited to 2 minutes each please )

Musical Selection

“Falling In Love with Jesus”

Kenny Brabham, Saxophonist

“The Star” Poem

Mariah Dalton Celebration of Shan Marie’s Life Video

Words of Comfort

Reverend Dr. E. L. Jones First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

Presentation to Liam and Gia Allen

Aunts DeOnna Dalton, Letitia Green, Felicia Miller, and Princess Pelzer

A Love Note

Gia Allen

Closing Prayer

Reverend Brandon Green

Closing Remarks Recessional

Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Staff “Isn’t She Lovely”

Kenny Brabham, Saxophonist

A POEM OF REMEMBRANCE A light went out on Earth for me The day we said goodbye And on that day a star was born, The brightest in the sky Reaching through the darkness With its rays of purest white Lighting up the Heavens As it once lit up my life With beams of love to heal The broken heart you left behind Where always in my memory Your lovely star will shine -Catherine Turner

Immediately following the service The Dawn Event Center 3201 Atlanta Industrial Pkwy NW, Unit 104 Atlanta, Georgia 30331

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for your love, support and kindness shown to our family during this time of bereavement. Your calls, cards, floral tributes and most of all your prayers served as a source of comfort to us. May God richly bless each of you.

WILLIE A. WATKINS FUNERAL HOME Carrollton Chapel 602 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117 770-836-0044 Darrell E. Watkins, I., Licensed Funeral Director

The K Effect, Print and Design 678-732-5937