Shantaja Sherelle Beasley

Shantaja Sherelle Beasley, age 19, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on
December 29, 2025. She was born on September 4, 2006, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Shantaja was a beautiful soul with many gifts. She was exceptionally talented at doing people’s
hair and could sing beautifully, a gift she shared freely with those she loved. She attended H.L.
Trigg School in Elizabeth City and later committed herself to completing her education through
YouthBuild of Elizabeth City. Through dedication and perseverance, she successfully obtained
her high school diploma while also working at a local dry cleaner—demonstrating a strong work
ethic and determination beyond her years.

Affectionately known as “Butt-Butt,” a nickname lovingly given to her by Claresa, Shantaja
brought joy and laughter to everyone around her. As a baby, she would sleep with her bottom up
in the air, and whenever Claresa gently pushed it down, Shantaja would wake up, push it right
back up, and fall asleep again—thus creating a name that would remain a symbol of love and
fond memories.
Shantaja found great happiness spending time with her cousins Rakeem and Arcandiss Butts,
especially while making videos and singing together. One of her favorite songs to sing with them
was “Mama” by the Empire Cast. She was truly the life of the party—always joking, laughing,
and making others smile. She also enjoyed painting people’s nails and was rarely without her
favorite green nail polish.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Claresa Butts (Antonio) of Portsmouth,
Virginia; her father, Steven McCoy Beasley (Talisha) of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and her
grandparents: Gloria Davis (Joseph) of Elizabeth City, NC; Paul Grubbs (Wanda) of
Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Stephen Brinkley (Bernice), of Elizabeth City, NC.

She leaves behind seven brothers: Antonio Butts (Keshaun) of Portsmouth, VA; Keon Butts of
Greensboro, NC; Jamarie Walker of Elizabeth City, NC; Tyion Butts of Hertford, NC; Stephen
Beasley of Elizabeth City, NC; Terrion Walker of Elizabeth City, NC; and Messiah Butts of
Portsmouth, VA; and two sisters, Antasia Butts of Bayonne, New Jersey, and Diamond Jackson
of Portsmouth, Virginia.

She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts and uncles: Natasha Walker, Paul Grubbs, Jermell
Grubbs, Victor Beasley, Andre Johnson, Tanesha Elliott (John), Naomi Savage (Maurice),
Baquita Brinkley, and Latoya Brinkley; special cousins Emari and Lazaria Leary, Kwanis
Whidbee, Trushawn Key, Shanala Walker and Paul Grubbs III; along with a host of other great-
aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, family members, and friends.
Though Shantaja is no longer physically with us, her laughter, love, and beautiful memories will
live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 10, 2026 beginning at 1:00pm at New Sawyer's Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor D. Stefan Gregory, officiating. She will lie in repose from 12:00pm until time of service. There will be NO VIEWING AT THE END OF THE SERVICE.

*The family will receive friends at 204 C Renaissance Circle in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.*
 

Professional services of comfort, love and professionalism have been entrusted to Adkins Memorial Funeral Home of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 
 

“Celebrating Life, One Family at a Time…”

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