Shonta Lacresha Smalls

Shonta Lacresha Smalls, 46, was born on November 24, 1976 in Dayton, OH.  She graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1995.  She received an associates in Early Childhood Education from Sinclair Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration Management from Wilberforce University.  She worked for Dayton Public Schools for 20 years. 

She was a God fearing woman who was baptized at Timothy Missionary Baptist Church where she was a long time member.  She later moved her membership to Revival Center Ministries International.

Shonta was family oriented and had a special bond with her children, nieces and nephews.  She also had a great sense of humor.  Shonta was creative and actively involved with her children’s sports.

On Saturday, January 22, 2023, Shonta transitioned from this life to the presence of the Lord.  She was preceded in death by her father, Emmett Buckingham Se.; stepfather, John Gullatte Sr.; maternal grandparents, Ellis and Elvester Harden; paternal grandparents, William and Ellen Kelly; sister, Kim Miller and cousin, William Harden.

Shonta is survived by her four children; Shamarte, Shamar, Sean and Shain; her mother, Tonya Harden-Gullatte; four sisters, Tasha Buckingham, Arletha Brooks, Roada (Terrence) Hawkins and Johniece (Dane) Hawkins; three brothers, John (Lynn) Gullatte Jr., Anthony (Christine) Harden and Emmett (Alexis) Buckingham Jr.; best friend, Shelica Brooks and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shonta Lacresha Smalls, please visit our floral store.