Zemariya Thomas Shelton, St. Paul, MN — The community is mourning the loss of Zemariya Thomas Shelton, who passed away recently at the tender age of 12. ZeMariya was affectionately known as “Mari” by family and friends, was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, and friend, remembered for her strength, intelligence, and the love she brought to those around her.
Her father, Demario Shelton, is deeply affected by her passing. Zemariya faced significant health challenges throughout her life, living with congenital heart disease and undergoing several surgeries. Despite these hardships, she remained a source of joy and inspiration to her family and friends.
Tragically, Zemariya’s passing comes at a time when her family is experiencing severe financial difficulties. They lost their home due to severe mold growth, leaving them homeless and struggling to cover the costs of a proper burial. To honor Zemariya’s memory, her father has organized a fundraiser to help cover the costs of a flameless cremation, a private viewing, and a cremation container/urn.
The fundraiser, titled "The Ascension of Ze’Mariya," has so far raised $780 out of its $5,000 goal, with contributions from eight generous donors, including Erika Skiba, Jaymeece Jones, Karen Schembs, James Thompson, and Cheyenne Biffle.
Many have expressed their condolences and support through touching Facebook posts. Michelle Elder, Zemariya’s grandmother, wrote, "Hello family and friends, this is my granddaughter Mari and she got WINGS YESTERDAY WITH THE LORD. THIS IS SO HARD FOR ME. PLEASE KEEP US IN PRAYER." She also shared, "Granny will always miss you. I can’t believe this, but I know you are in a better place. I will see you again, love Granny baby girl."
Lisa Slaughter added, "Rih baby," echoing the sentiments of many who knew and loved Zemariya.
The outpouring of love and support from the community has been a source of comfort for Zemariya’s family as they navigate this difficult time. Her memory will live on through the love she shared and the strength she displayed throughout her life.
Short Summary of Zemariya Thomas Shelton
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Zemariya Thomas Shelton |
| Date of Passing | Recently |
| Fundraiser Created By | Demario Shelton |
| Goal Amount | $5,000 |
| Amount Raised | $780 |
| Location | St. Paul, MN |
| Purpose | Flameless cremation, private viewing, and cremation container/urn costs |
Note:This post was written and edited by Aiden Wright, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.
Valencia Ray
I am ZeMariya’s maternal grandmother. I would recommend one edit to your beautiful and thoughtful story; ZeMariya was affectionately known as “Mari” by family and friends.