Lashea “Shonda” Ward, lovingly known to many as Shonda, was born on February 15, 1975, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She departed this life on March 4, 2026, in the comfort of her own home, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, prayer, and unforgettable memories.

Shonda was the beloved daughter of the late James Barnice Ward Sr. and Emma Jean Pittman Ward. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Tyrone Scott; her sister, Sandra “Saleemah” Ward; her sisters-in-law, Jackie Davis, Melissa Pittman, and Nakia Ward; and her cherished granddaughter, Aiah Braithwaite.

Shonda was a proud and loving grandmother to Ramani, Ta’Janay, Quashon, Quaziir, A’saya, and Avery. She also leaves behind a loving circle of nieces and nephews including Rahjeemah, Andrea, Za’asia, Michaelah, Rahjon, Michael, Jabriel, Tamier, Abdul, James III, Micah, and Maverick, along with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Shonda shared a deep and loving bond with her significant other, Jerome Williamson, whom she loved dearly. Shonda had a personality that could light up any room. She loved watching her favorite shows, Good Times and The First 48. Many mornings you could find her riding out to get coffee with her son Tashon, her brother Jimmy, and her man Jerome—moments she truly cherished. She also enjoyed spending time talking and laughing on the phone with her daughters Dominique and Starr, her sister Michelle, her brother Jimmy, and her niece Rahjeemah. She loved cooking and would often bring her sister Michelle a hot bowl of grits.

She loved staying connected with the world through Bigo, YouTube, and Facebook, listening to the latest music while doing her hair and makeup. Shonda had a passion for beauty—she loved nails, wigs, makeup, and finding good deals online, especially on Temu.

Above all, Shonda was known for her praying spirit and her beautiful heart. She would give anyone the shirt off her back and was always willing to help someone in need. Her love for God, her family, and the people around her was something everyone who knew her could feel.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her loving children: Tashon (her best friend), Starasia, Dominique, Tashanique, and Aniyah Ward; her daughter-in-law, Kynia; and her son-in-law, Tashan. She is also survived by her siblings: James Pittman, Michael Earl Pittman, James Ward II, and Michelle Ward, and her brother-in-law, Glenn Young.

In Shonda’s own unforgettable words:

S is for Satisfaction,

H is for Hot,

O is for Ordinary,

N is for Nonstop,

D is for Devastation — and you know that’s me,

A is for Always rockin’ on the MIC.

Shonda’s presence, laughter, a nd love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

And as she would say…

“And with that, we have a nice way of closing.”

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 14, 2026, from the Salvation Christian Center, 130 S. Sherman St. Wilkes-Barre.