Shereka Gant-Hargraves, 43, of Warren, passed away November 11, 2022. Born October 21, 1979, she was a daughter of Paul and Gloria Gant. She accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. G.T. Blackmon at St. James AME Church in Warren, where she remained active.
Shereka was a 1998 graduate of Warren High School. During her time as a Lumberjack, she was a member of JROTC, WHS Pep Squad, Student Council and various other clubs. She was named Miss Warren Junior High in 1994, WHS Homecoming Maid (95′, 96′ and 97′) and voted best dressed her freshman and senior year of high school. She was also crowned Miss Teen Pride in 1995, an honor that has not been bestowed since that time.
She attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1998 and later transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development. Shereka was employed with Empower Healthcare Solutions as a managed care coordinator.
In 2015, Shereka married the love of her life, Donald Hargraves. To this union one child was born, Ayla Rose Hargraves. While Shereka loved her day job, her real joy came running her own business ‘Berries by Ree’ that provided sweets and treats for all occasions. The company began as a way to provide a little extra money for the holidays and ended up one of the premier luxury snack providers in South Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James and Vivian Stanley, Frank Jackson Jr.; her paternal grandparents, LeRoy Allen and Arneta Jackson-Gant; uncles, Curtis Harris, Leonard Harris, Larry Harris, Larry Jackson, John Brunson; aunts, Cynthia Thomas and Debra Sue Jackson-Smith.
Shereka is survived by her husband of seven years, Donald Hargraves; children, Wynter Holland, Alaina Green, Carlson Edwards, Ayla Rose Hargraves; parents, Paul and Gloria Gant; special aunts, Sandra Jackson, Chanel Hooper, Irma Brunson; special cousins, Ryan Jackson, Faith Jackson, Valerie Harris, April Harris; uncles, Robert Harris (Essie), Larry Brunson (Donna), Bobby Gant (Regina), Ronnie Gant (Barbara), Raymond Harris (Sandra), Robert Jackson (KaTrina); aunt, Lola Brunson, Leon Allen (Toni), sisters-in-law, LaKrystal, Aviva, Kandis, Kevyonna Thomas; brothers-in-law, Jermerrio, Timothy, Jason, Kevin, Darcarus; mother-in-law, Yulonda Thomas; father-in-law, Kevin Ware (Jennifer); special friends, Melody Banks (Maurel), LaKeisha Dodds (Chris); a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held November 19 at St. James AME Church in Warren with Rev. Kurbe Newsome officiating and Elder Dr. James R. Hooper eulogist. Burial was in Palestine Cemetery, Johnsville. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
