Killed by gun July 7, 1998, at age 24

Although everyone called him Donte, his name is Shanendoah. Even though he has a twin and has another brother, he was the youngest of my three sons.

He attended Fremont High School, and while keeping his grades very close to an “A” level, he helped his class take first place in an all-around school competition. Drama was his favorite class. He took parts in a few plays in which he helped earn his class a trip to New York. He met celebrities and enjoyed the experience. He was a born-again Christian and did charity work. He worked at K-Mart in the infant department. He assembled baby furniture. He also worked at Sunshine Market. There he stocked groceries. He worked those two jobs to make things easier for his family.

Also, he was a loving father, and loved everyone, and everyone loved him.

Thank you, Women Against Gun Violence, for your interest.

By Betty Lanns Staples, Mother