Taesha Lashawn Horne

Today we gather to honor and remember a woman who meant so much to me—not just as my granddaughter’s other grandma, but as a true friend and part of my heart.
The last time I spoke to Shawn, she called and told me she had been in the hospital for a week and I said "Shawn, why didn’t you tell me? I would have come to visit.” She said "Pam, I know you would have". I didn’t realize it would be the last time I talked to her. I am just so glad I heard that from her and that she knew I would be there for her. I just wish she hadn’t been alone when she took her last breath.
In our conversation, I had also mentioned I wanted to pick her up and take her to one of Londyn’s volleyball games, and she was so looking forward to seeing her play. It is so sad knowing we will not have her around for those memories. I know she has a front row seat and will be cheering on her kids and grandkids in whatever they do. It just won’t be the same.
From the day I met Shawn, I felt comfortable around her. There was something about her presence that made you feel at ease, like you could be yourself without judgment. And that is a rare and beautiful gift.
Shawn’s life was not without challenges. Raising three children on her own, carrying the weight of single motherhood. The road wasn’t always easy, but it was her strength—not her struggles—that defined her. No matter what she went through, she never gave up. She found a way to keep moving forward, to hold her family close, and to keep hope alive. That’s what I will always admire about her.
To me, Shawn was more than just a friend. She was someone I loved like a sister. Someone I would have done anything for. Her laughter (boy, that laugh is going to be hard to forget), her honesty, and her ability to just be real made her the kind of person you wanted near. She was resilient, loyal, and full of heart.
And it wasn’t just me who loved Shawn. My daughter Jordan, our granddaughter Londyn, and my son Taylor loved her dearly, too. She was a part of their lives, their memories, and their hearts—and that love will never fade.
Shawn’s story reminds us all of something important: strength isn’t measured by how smooth the road is, but by how many times you get back up when life tries to knock you down. And that is exactly who she was.
So today, I say thank you—to her—for being in my life, for loving her family so fiercely, for showing us what perseverance looks like, and for blessing me with a friendship I will always hold dear.
Though Shawn may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts. Her spirit, her love, and her resilience live on in all of us.
On behalf of Jordan, Londyn, Taylor, and me, we love you, and we will carry your memory with us always.

Your journey on earth may be over, but I know your spirit lives on — in the stories we tell, in the love we carry, and in the quiet moments when we remember you.
Heaven gained someone truly special. You left too soon, I’m so happy that I got a chance to talk to you. I’m grateful for the sweet voicemail you left me. I’m glad we got a chance to laugh when you asked me for the last time Cuz why you always call me SHANIE…

I can’t believe I am bidding you a final farewell. Although we are cousins we grew up us as best friends. We had so many good times and good laughs together until the very end. I’m going to miss talking you and reminiscing over our childhood memories the good times we had and the trouble we use to get into. I miss you already these past weeks haven’t been the same. I love you so much and I always will! I’ll see you on the other side.
Your favorite cousin Tanya AKA Apple head

Big Red as you so affectionately greeted me “Hey big Red” then the running private joke we had J R oget! J Roget and we’d laugh together how I pronounced it wrong. Imma miss you so much so so much.
Shawnie ever in my heart
Auntie Michelle ♥️

I love you lil sister! You will definitely be missed! 😘 ❤️