IN LOVING MEMORY
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.
Prelude
Kenny Brabham, Saxophonist
Processional Clergy, Family & Friends
“Fear is Not My Future” by Todd Galberth, feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Musical Selection Charles Jackson
Vocal Performance “Nobody Greater” Wes Lee, Soloist
Opening Prayer Reverend Brandon Green
Scripture Reading
Old Testament Psalms 91 Tamia L. Goodman
New Testament Revelation 21:1-7 Kandie Middlebrooks
Vocal Performance “Grateful” Willie Brassell, Soloist
Reflections
Musical Selection
Mr. George Isler, Family Friend
Ms. Bernice Montgomery, Family Friend
Up to 5 volunteer remarks to follow, (limited to 2 minutes each please )
“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 Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Staff
Recessional “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
TheKEffect,Print and Design
678-732-5937
