"Soon… there will be a new place, new people and a new peace in my future… I already see it."

- Shakira Varner, June 1, 2016

Shakira Martiswa Varner, daughter of Gwendolyn Spann and Lance Varner, was born on November 3, 1988 in Charleston, South Carolina. She departed this life on Sunday, June 12, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shakira attended the public schools of Berkeley County from kindergarten to sixth grade. In 2001, she moved to Charlotte, NC and attended the public schools of Mecklenburg County, graduating from East Mecklenburg High School in 2007.

Shakira was a smiling, fun-loving, bubbly, high spirited person that never met a stranger. Her smile and personality always invited you in.

Shakira loved fashion and shopping, but most of all she had a love for the sun and water.

Shakira was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Velton and Wendell Varner.

Shakira leaves to cherish her memories: her babies (puppies), Pennie and Virgo; her mother, Gwendolyn Spann; her father, Lance Varner; her siblings, Shakera Varner, Radasha Murray, Radesha Murray, Racshean Varner, Victoria Page and LaQuandra Murray; her special, loving grandparents, Deacon Harold and Joann Spann; a host of aunts, uncles; a "special brother", LaQuan Osbourne; a special cousin, Kori Grey; and a special friend, Omar Cook; other relatives and friends .

Shakira will be greatly missed.