Shanita A. Thomas

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Shanita Thomas began her journey on November 26, 1985, in New York, NY, to Anita Thomas and Leonard “Glen” Smallwood. She was a devoted and loving mother to Elijah Cancer Jr. son of Elijah Cancer Sr.; and Damoni Carrington son of Derrick Carrington.  She was engaged to be married to Sean Headspeth.  Shanita spent her early childhood in NYC and then relocated to Albany, NY with her family.  She was raised by Angela Rackley until she graduated from Albany High School in 2003.

Shanita had a passion for nursing and graduated from the Capital Region BOCES where she obtained her LPN degree in 2019. Shanita loved doing hair, makeup, and high fashion. She was loved by many.  Shanita was known for showing love and support to everyone she met. Shanita enjoyed showing support to her community and uplifting Black owned businesses. She was a tireless worker and member of the 518 Albany SNUG team, an organization that aims to reduce gun violence in the Capital Region. She was known for being genuine, authentic, kind, loving, caring, and funny. Shanita was the life of the party at any event and always kept everyone laughing. 

Shanita was called home with her unborn child on January 30, 2021. She will be remembered for her bright smile and joyful spirit. 

Shanita is predeceased by her biological mother Anita Thomas and Elijah Cancer Sr. She is survived by her father Leonard “Glen” Smallwood, sons Elijah Cancer Jr. and Damoni Carrington; her siblings Kenyata  (Malcha Banks), Raheem and Shameek “Tarzan” Thomas.  She is also survived by siblings  Teron, Adontis, and Lavar Smallwood and David Harden; Dearest family left to cherish her memory include 
Angela Rackley, Terrance McLeod (Vivian Mcleod) ,Tai-Symone Erwin (Tevon Erwin),Toni Rackley, Tavion Rackley, her dearest friend Cieyel Ford and the Ford family, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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