To Our Beloved Father “My Father, My Friend” For my father, my friend, This to me you have always been. Through the good times and the bad, Your understanding I have had. A gentle man at heart, This sets you apart From the others I’ve seen. You mean so much to me. The laughter we have shared Cannot be compared. The tears I have shed, As you lovingly nodded your head. You have always been there, With a smile and a hug, A precious gift From our God up above. The times that I have been down and sad, Your silly ways could always make me glad. You gave me strength to carry on, Even when all hope seemed to be gone.
As I look back over time, I find myself wondering... did I remember to thank you enough for all the things you have done for me? For all the times you were by my side to help and support me... To celebrate my successes ... To understand my problems and accept my defeats? Or for teaching me by your example, the value of hard work, good judgement, courage and integrity? I wonder if I ever thanked you for the sacrifices you made. To let me have the very best and for the simple thing like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If I have forgotten to show my gratitude enough for all the things you did, I’m thanking you now. And I’m hoping you knew all along how much you meant to me. I was born out of love ... Raised to be strong and independent! I wish things could have turned out differently but it’s all in God’s time.
And to the offenders, I forgive you! Yes, you did a The lessons in life that I have learned horrible thing, but I can’t live with revenge in my Are from your genuine love and concern. heart. It will only make me bitter. With deep appreciation for all you have done. You, Dad, are my number one. Dad, I know you’re in a better place, and that you’re looking down on me watching over me. Your Daughter, Your Friend
Jaterica
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I love you pops.
Natalie
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Daddy, I wish there was more time, To tell you, “what it do�. I wish there was more time, You left us all too soon. We will love you for always, Forever in our hearts. We will always love you daddy, even though we are apart. Remembering the laughter, Never forgetting the love, The time will come daddy, When we can run back into your arms. We will be forever united for all eternity, We are waiting for that moment daddy, Just you wait and see! Forever we love you, Forever in ours hearts. We will always love you daddy, Even though we are apart.
-Zayla and Zachariah
The day has arrived that there is no tomorrow for me. I want you, my children, to know and never forget, you were and always will be deeply loved by me. -Daddy
Reflections of His Life Xavier Juandrell Shotwell was born August 25, 1970, to Connie Walton-Ekanem and the late Joe E. Shotwell, in Shelby County, Tennessee. He departed this life on Friday, November 30, 2018. He confessed his faith in Christ at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Basil Brooks. He graduated from Germantown High School in 1988. Xavier was an all-around great guy. He was a supporter, provider, protector, an encourager and an AWESOME father. He had a passion and love for cars of all kinds. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Everlena Lurry and a brother, Marvin Shotwell. To cherish his loving legacy, Xavier leaves his dear mother, Connie Walton Ekanem; four children: Jaterica, Natalie, Zayla and Zachary; three brothers: Ellis Shotwell, Eric Shotwell, ShCorey Campbell and Marvell Shotwell; two sisters: Valarie Hill (Kenneth) and Angela Wright (Herbert); a stepbrother, Patrick Ekanem; a fiancĂŠ, Kelly White, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
The Order of Service Prelude Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Xavier J. Shotwell Scripture and Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Willie Welles Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yolonda Jones Stripling Expressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Verrokco Jones, Family Steve Echols, Neighbor Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Children Tracsey Peterson, Narrator Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Tony L. Peterson Repairers of the Breach Christian Church Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brandy Butler-Gross Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nikita Redd Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Basil Brooks Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Xavier J. Shotwell
W ~ At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the eulogy. ~
Family Tributes To My Special Son It’s sometimes hard to know Why some things happen as they do For so much joy and happiness Was centered around you. It seems so hard to comprehend That you’re no longer here But all the happy memories Will help to keep you near. You’re though about with pride, Son With each mention of your name. Death cannot change a single thing The love will still remain. ~Your Mother ~
To My Uncle Uncle Xa, you are a blessing. You mean so many things to me. Words will never tell the joy that you brought to my life. I am so grateful you have been there to guide me through. Each year, you have given me precious memories that I will forever hold on to. My Uncle Xa is my gift (The Side Line Coach) that will last as I (Ball) forever in this life. ~ Kori ~
To Our Dear Brother Today is full of memories Of a Brother laid to rest And every single one of them Is filled with happiness. For you were someone special Always such a joy to know And there was so much pain When it was time to let you go. That’s why this special message Is sent to heaven above For the angels to take care of you And give you all our love. ~ Your Brothers and Sisters ~
Acknowledgment A friendly smile, a casual touch; these are things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. May God bless you for your prayers, thoughts, and acts of kindness toward us during this time. ~ The Family of Xavier J. Shotwell ~
Active Pallbearers
Clyde Brooks Arnel Holmes Aventa Smith
Torron Fields Demetrius Redd Jimmy White
Honorary Pallbearers
Brandon Dorsey Marcellas Knox Ellis Shotwell, II
Arcadus Hooker Kevin Morris Theon Shotwell
Interment Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery Cordova, Tennessee
Professional Services M. J. Edwards Funeral Home 4445 Stage Road s Memphis, TN 38128 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.