Shashona Salley

Obituary For Shashona Salley

Shashona Sharice Salley was born on October 4th, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York to Carole Ann Salley and Richard Jefferson. From the very beginning Shashonas life was rooted in Brooklyn, where the Marcy Houses were her stomping grounds and where many of her earliest memories were made. She attended P.S. 23 for elementary school, I.S. 33 for junior high school, and Eastern District High School. During her younger years, Shashona enjoyed jumping rope, cheerleading, and spending time doing the things that brought joy to her childhood. Shashona was a woman whose life was defined by resilience, love, and determination. Through trials and tribulations, she remained focused on what mattered most: her children. Through her hard work and perseverance, she was able to secure an apartment for her family, creating a home where her children could grow and build memories. Her strength was not always loud, but it was always present. She continued to push forward, proving that a mothers love could be the foundation upon which an entire family stands.

Family Was Everything!!

Shashona leaves behind five beloved sisters: Thais, Rochelle, Mignon, Charlene, and Shaate’, and her younger brother, Richard. The bond she shared with her siblings was an important part of her life. She also leaves behind her beloved Aunt Michelle, who was more like a sister to her from the very day Shashona entered the world. Their relationship was one of those special family bonds that goes beyond titles, filled with a closeness that words can hardly explain. Through trials and tribulations, Shashona and Aunt Michelle always made time for each other. She will also be lovingly remembered by her Aunt Roberta and Aunt Patricia, whose places in her life and family story will never be forgotten. Her uncles Joe Joe Donald and John. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, and loved ones who were touched by her presence. Her family was a source of strength, connection, and belonging, and she understood the importance of keeping those bonds alive.

A Heart That Belonged to Harlem!!

For approximately 30 years, Shashona resided in the St. Nicholas Houses, where she became much more than a neighbor. She became a familiar face, a trusted presence, and a beloved member of the community. She was known for making sure all children were safe when she was present. In her later years, you could often find her outside with a cup of coffee, talking, laughing, and sharing moments with the people around her. She had a way of making people feel welcomed. Whether she was exchanging stories, checking in on someone, or simply enjoying the day, Shashona brought warmth to the neighborhood.Even the birds were part of her daily routine. She fed them faithfully, showing that her big heart extended to every living thing around her. It was such a simple act, yet it reflected the compassion and tenderness that were part of who she was.

To Shykim, you have been a major inspiration for Shashona and all of her children. You have poured from every cup you’ve had and never cared if you had anything left. You are truly a gem in the Salley family. Always and forever!

If there was one thing everyone could agree on, it was that Shashona could COOK! Anyone who had the pleasure of tasting her food knew that she could outcook any soul food restaurant in Harlem. Her meals brought people together, filled stomachs, warmed hearts, and created memories that will live on long after the last plate has been cleared.

In the community, everyone knew her as “Ma” or “Granny “. Those names were more than nicknames; it’s a reflection of the love, peace and comfort she gave to the people around her. Harlem was good to Shashona, and Shashona was good to Harlem. She was surrounded by a community that loved and supported her because of the person she was.

She found joy in music, attending parades, going to the pool, and enjoying the little things that made life special. And, of course no remembrance of Shashona would be complete without mentioning her love for Scooby-Doo! Those who knew her also knew that purple was her favorite color, a little detail that will forever bring a smile to the faces of those who loved her.

Friendships That Became Family

Throughout her life, Shashona formed friendships that became an extension of her family. She had three special road dogs, Lisa, Andrea, and Pauline, who became family through love, loyalty, and companionship.

She also gained a lifelong best friend in Kennisha, a friendship that held a special place in her heart. Shashona was also honored to be the godmother of Kennishas daughter, Trinity, adding yet another meaningful connection to the family she built through love.

These relationships were a testament to Shashonas ability to create lasting bonds. She knew that family was not defined by blood alone, but also by the people who stood beside you, shared your laughter, supported you through difficult times, and remained present when it mattered most.

To Shykim, you have been a major inspiration for Shashona and all of her children. You have poured from every cup you’ve had and never cared if you had anything left. You are truly a gem in the Salley family. Always and forever!

If there was one thing everyone could agree on, it was that Shashona could COOK! Anyone who had the pleasure of tasting her food knew that she could outcook any soul food restaurant in Harlem. Her meals brought people together, filled stomachs, warmed hearts, and created memories that will live on long after the last plate has been cleared.

A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Good Food

Beyond her cooking, Shashona's legacy is found in the lives she touched. It lives in the strength she passed down to her children, the love she poured into her grandchildren, the memories she shared with her family, and the laughter she brought to her friends and neighbors.

She taught those around her through her own life, that perseverance matters, family matters, and the small moments we share with one another often become the memories we treasure the most.

Shashona was a Brooklyn girl at heart, a Harlem favorite by community, a mother above all, and a woman whose presence made a difference. She will be remembered for her laughter, her cooking, her love of purple, her Scooby-Doo moments, her coffee outside, and the unmistakable way she made people feel at home.

Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the love she gave will continue to live in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the community that lovingly called her “Ma.”

To the Salley family, we come from strength and nothing but strength. Keep it going and remember that we are all fighting battles nobody knows about. Love on your people while they’re here because once they’re gone no matter how loud you shout and cry they won’t hear you. Take care of everyone around you, the same way Shashona Salley did. The same way Carole Ann Salley and Beatrice Salley

(Shashonas maternal grandmother) did. We might cry today and we will definitely cry tomorrow but we have to smile because she lived. She lived a blessed life. She was a true fighter in this world. She did her part and more while she was here and we are all going to truly miss Shashona. She will live on with us forever because Salleys don’t die, we thrive and we multiply.

To Our Loving Mother,

Shashona was the proud and loving mother of five children: Rasheem, Rashawn, Ashley, Carole, and Arabia. She loved them more than anything, and that love was evident in the sacrifices she made, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created with them. Shashona believed in taking care of her family, and one of the ways she showed her love was through her cooking. Rasheem may have made her a mother, but she made him a chef. Cooking was more than something Shashona did, it was one of the many ways she brought people together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and her food was made with the kind of love that could never be duplicated. She was also a proud grandmother to Rashawn, Dallas, Kartier, Malaysia, and Elias. Being a grandmother was another special chapter in her life, and her grandchildren were blessed to experience the love, warmth, and old-school affection that only Grandma could give.

Shashona shared an unspoken bond with Ebony, who not only blessed her with her first grandchild but also stood by her and showed up for her until the very end. Ebony understands the importance of family and made sure Shashona had the opportunity to spend precious time with her grandson. Rashawn was surrounded by that irreplaceable old-school grandma love. Shashona had a soft spot for granddaughter Dallas , some bonds do not need many words; they are demonstrated through loyalty, presence, and love. Kartier was able to bond with his grandma, although their time was cut short he will always be reminded of how loved he was by her.

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