Shakeena Agnes Gadson-McCombs, 45, entered eternal rest at her home, on Friday, December 13, 2024. Shakeena was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, beloved twin, amazing sister, cherished aunt, dedicated teacher, renowned hairstylist, and loyal friend, who impacted anyone in her presence.

Born on September 23, 1979, to Adrienne Sturdivant and Leroy Blue Gadson in Bronx, NY. Shakeena entered the world 43 minutes and 15 seconds after her twin sister, Shanikka, marking the beginning of a bond that would last an eternity. Shakeena's life wasn't free of challenges, but it was those very challenges that fueled the fire that allowed her to overcome every obstacle that came her way!

Shakeena was no punk; however, she was also one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. Shakeena understood her purpose was BIGGER than her and she spent every moment of her life loving, serving, teaching, and giving.

Shakeena's thirst for knowledge was insatiable. After receiving her GED, she went on to take and pass her state board examination, earning her the title of licensed cosmetologist in February of 2009.  In 2010, she attended Forsyth Technical College where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice and became a licensed paralegal. Shakeena recently became a notary and a licensed minister.

Shakeena's love for teaching and serving others would soon lead her to Hanes Middle School where she loved serving as an educator. Shakeena was not only an educator for the school system, but she also educated the community on how to properly care for natural hair. Shakeena was the cofounder of Twin Blitz, a business consisting of her and her twin sister Shanikka. For the past 13 years, this unstoppable duo in conjunction with family and other local stylists, have held an annual back to school event, where they supplied free hairstyles, haircuts, and school supplies to those in need. Shakeena was also an established hairstylist working side by side with her longtime friend and mentor, Tayola McNeil at The Salon in Winston Salem.

Shakeena recently launched The Crown and Confidence Club at Hanes Middle School. A program geared towards educating youth on how to properly care for and learn to love their natural hair no matter the length or texture. Shakeena loved pouring into others. She saw the best in everyone and strived to help others see the best in themselves. Shakeena instilled in her students the necessity of learning so they themselves could one day pay it forward. Shakeena aspired to teach students that true beauty comes from within. She lived to serve and served to live.

Shakeena was proceeded in death by her son, Angel Delshawn McCombs; maternal grandmother, Agnes Argrett; paternal grandmother, Loretta Gadson; and sister, Shontae Gadson.

Shakeena is survived by her loving husband, Terry Shawndale McCombs; her three beautiful daughters, Adrionna Lewis, Shawndasia and Terriyan McCombs; and bonus daughter, Takiyah McCombs; granddaughter, Lauren Bleu Skye Lewis; parents, Adrienne (Michael) Sturdivant and Leroy Blue Gadson; twin sister, Shanikka (Demarte) Gadson-Harris and sister, Charisse Harley; brother, Sha-King Graham; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Today, as we remember Shakeena, let us celebrate the joy she brought to our lives. Shakeena's legacy is one of love, dedication, and profound impact. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Her light will continue to shine through her family, friends, students, colleagues, clients, and every person that she impacted while here on earth. Job well done Shakeena! Until we meet again.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Sunday at the Chapel.