Shaneeka Michelle Smith, known to all as “Neeka” was born on June 25, 1991 in Albemarle North Carolina to Michelle Garris Sakpedeh and the late Antoine Clearance Smith.

Shaneeka departed this world on March 28, 2025 as a hero. She gave her life to save her child’s. There was never a question or hesitation on what needed to be done on that day to protect her baby. She was a fun-loving mother who bravely sacrificed her own life for her son to continue his. The love she had for her children was unwavering and selfless.

Shaneeka attended Union County Public Schools and continued her education at South Piedmont Community College. While in school, she participated in school volleyball, traveling volleyball, and track & field. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends and doing afterschool activities and cooking.

Shaneeka accepted Christ at an early age and was deeply into her faith and religion. She was on her personal religious journey that filled her heart with joy and peace. She loved studying the bible and writing in her journal, spending time with her son and family. If you ever had a conversation with Shaneeka, she never missed the opportunity to say “Love Ya” her beautiful smile, never-ending wit, and infectious laugh light up the room every time. She was truly the shining star in our family.

Shaneeka leaves to cherish her precious memories to her daughter, Makiya Jazzel Smith (Wadesboro, NC), son, Amir Kavion Cash (Wadesboro, NC), mother, Michelle Garris Sakpedeh (Indian Trail, NC), step-father, Floyd Sakpedeh (Indian Trail, NC), brother, Antoine R. Smith (Jacksonville, FL), honorary sisters, Sherika King (New London), Javonda Garris (Wadesboro, NC) , one great aunt, Mary Taylor Wilcox (Wadesboro, NC) Aunties, Ernestine Richardson (Wadesboro, NC), Venita Smith (Albemarle, NC), uncles, James, Richardson (Wadesboro NC), Charles Garris (Wadesboro, NC) Vincent King (New London, NC) and a host of cousins and good friends.

Shaneeka will be missed by so many. We were not ready for her to leave us so soon; 33 years was just not long enough. If tears could build a stairway and memories built a lane, I would walk right up to heave and bring you home again so that I could see that beauty smile and your precious laugh. Life will not be easy without you but the memories of you will forever live in our hearts, we Love You Shaneeka Michelle Smith.

The Homegoing Services will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Polkton, North Carolina.

The Smith Family will greet family and friends on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. atl Chapel and at Smith's Memoriaall other times at the mother's residence.

The public viewing will be on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 11:00am until the funeral hour.