There are some people who carry the weight of the world with a smile so bright, you’d never guess the burden they’re bearing. Shawnte Nicole Benning was one of those rare souls.
For years, Shawnte fought a courageous, quiet battle against kidney disease. But if you walked into the restaurant where she worked, you wouldn’t have seen a patient—you would have seen a warrior. Despite the exhaustion of treatments and the physical toll of her illness, Shawnte remained dedicated to her craft as a server. She chose to work, to serve others, and to maintain her independence until the very end.
The Reality of the Struggle:
Because Shawnte worked part-time to balance her health needs, she didn’t have access to company-paid life insurance. She poured what she had into living, leaving us, her family with the difficult task of navigating her final arrangements during an already shattering time of grief.
We are reaching out to our community—friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers—to help us bridge the gap between our intentions and our current capacity. Our goal is simple: to give Shawnte the dignified "Homegoing" service she earned through her lifetime of hard work and kindness.
How You Can Help
We understand that times are lean for many, and we truly believe that no gesture is too small. Your benevolence will go directly toward:
Funeral and memorial service costs
Support for the family during this transition
"To give to others is the greatest act of grace."
If you aren't able to donate at this time, please consider sharing Shawnte’s story. Every share brings us one step closer to honoring her legacy properly. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, your words of comfort, and your generosity.
In gratitude,
Rhonda and Ralph (Shawnte's Parents)
