Tashawna Jefferson

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Tashawna Nephatia Jefferson passed away peacefully on September 12th 2025 after a two-year journey with bone cancer. Up until the end  Shawna maintained her edginess, her wit, her sense of humor and appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her short life, which was full of wonderful and varied experiences.
Shawna's life can best be encapsulated by five "F" words...FAMILY, FRIENDS, FLOWERS, FOOD, and FUN. In her almost 40 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each.
Tashawna was born in St Vincent's Hospital on February 2nd 1988 to birth parents Mark Jefferson and Sabrina Sanders.
Shawna spent her early years on Staten Island being cared for by her maternal grandmother, the late Margaret Latta as well as her aunt Cynthia. While Shawna had close relationships with various family members, she shared a special bond with her maternal grandmother and her sibling Tyshon, with whom she was raised. There was a special bond between  Shawna and Tyshon.
Tashawna attended PS 22 elementary School, and IS 2 JHS. Shawna's passion for beauty culture was cultivated in McKee HS, where she enrolled in a cosmetology hair and nails course. Shawna loved to do hair and was known for braiding and weaving in a matter of minutes. Shawna also developed a passion for cooking and her trademark dish was African spinach. Shawna was known throughout the neighborhood for selling plates of food and would always trademark her motto by saying "if you want it I got it"....
Shawna can best be described as a loyal friend. She was a friend you could count on.. you always knew that Shawna had your back.. she was "ride or die"..
Tashawna attended PS 22 elementary School, and IS 2 JHS. Shawna's passion for beauty culture was cultivated in McKee HS, where she enrolled in a cosmetology hair and nails course. Shawna loved to do hair and was known for braiding and weaving in a matter of minutes. Shawna also developed a passion for cooking and her trademark dish was African spinach. Shawna was known throughout the neighborhood for selling plates of food and would always trademark her motto by saying "if you want it I got it".... Shawna could always be counted on to prepare something amazing for your  party, and it was always prepared not only with her vast skill but also with boundless love.
Shawna can best be described as a loyal friend. She was a friend you could count on.. you always knew that Shawna had your back.. she was "ride or die"..
Shawna at an early age knew she wanted to have children, and considered herself a mentor to several neighborhood youngsters. Shawna was "the babysitter"... And if she babysat your child trust and believe.. you had no worries.. you knew your child was safe with Shawna as she would cook, clothe, and do their hair. Children enjoyed being in the care of Shawna and would often times cry when their parents would come to get them.
Shawna eventually gave birth to her own son at age 35, and the excitement she felt surrounding her pregnancy was at a fever pitch.

Shawna excelled in creating a beautiful and gracious home which was comfortable for her son Zion, and her spouse Marcus, the father of Zion. Zion was Shawna's crowning glory, and she delighted in everything about her new role as a mother and provided Zion with the best that she could afford.
 Shawna was extremely engaged as a mother for her her son, as evidenced by the lavish birthday parties, and designer clothes she provided him with.
Shawna cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, with most of these lasting the remainder of her life. At the time of her passing Shawna still had friendships that she developed as a young child. Shawna was known not just for enjoying her friendships, but for being a good friend as well. She was the friend who would go with you to your medical appointments just as freely as she would join you for lunch.
Shawna delighted in having fun and maintained a love of adventure and learning throughout her life. She was also highly competitive.
Shawna was a special person who appreciated all that life gave her, even in her diminished state near the end of her life, she nurtured friendships in her assisted living and memory care facilities by continuing to have visitors,
Until she lost the ability to talk, Shawna  expressed how grateful she was to have lived a life full of wonderful experiences as well as a loving family, many good friends and compassionate caregivers such as family and friends. Shawna truly embodied the adage of a life well lived
Tashawna was survived by her spouse Marcus, son Zion and two step children, mother Sabrina,  siblings Ebony, Samone, Latoya, Demetrius, Samuel (Sabrina’s children), siblings Tarell, Terema, Ladae (Mark’s children) and Tyshon (shared same parents) as well as aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family
Shawna was preceded in death by Mark Jefferson her father.

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