La'Shawna Deane Taylor

With profound sadness and an abundance of love, the family of LaShawna Deane Taylor announces her passing. Affectionately known to everyone as “Shawna,” passed away in her sleep on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at her home in Vallejo, California. She was 57 years old. Shawna was born on November 18, 1968, in Richmond, California, to Delbert Sullivan and Barbara Jean. She was their youngest child and only daughter. She grew up alongside her older brothers, Troy Sullivan and Bob Sullivan, and shared a lifelong, brotherly bond with her close childhood friend, Shawn Powell. Shawna spent most of her life in Pittsburg, California, before later making her home in Vallejo. She worked for several years as a florist in Sausalito, but her most meaningful and cherished role was caring for her grandchildren. Being their grandmother and nanny brought her tremendous joy, and she poured her heart into making sure they always felt safe, cared for, and deeply loved. Shawna was a happy, sweet, and loving woman who found joy in laughter and in the people around her. She loved all kinds of music and enjoyed drawing and coloring all sorts of beautiful art pieces. Her family will always smile when remembering her riding in her car, happily singing along to rap songs—even when she was completely off beat. She may not have always found the rhythm, but that never stopped her from enjoying every word and every moment. To her children, Shawna was much more than a mother. She was their best friend, their safe place, and the person they could talk to about anything without fear of judgment. She loved each of them in her own special way and gave them nicknames that became treasured parts of their family: Jessica was “Fressy Mae,” Derek was “Fatso,” Nakeea was “Mimi Scooter,” and Lynise was “Buggy Lou.” Those names, spoken in Shawna’s voice, will forever carry a kind of love that no one else could duplicate. Shawna is lovingly survived by her children, Jessica Benitez, Derek Williams Jr., Nakeea Collins, and Lynise Collins; her beloved grandchildren; her longtime companion and dear friend, Derek Williams Sr.; her brothers, Troy Sullivan and Bob Sullivan; her chosen brother and lifelong friend, Shawn Powell; and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert Sullivan and Barbara Jean. Shawna’s time here was far too short, but the love she gave will continue through her children, grandchildren, family, and everyone whose life she touched. Her legacy lives in every story told about her, every nickname she lovingly gave, every burst of laughter, and every rap song sung joyfully and just a little off beat. Although her family’s hearts are broken, they take comfort in the words of Scripture: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.” — Revelation 21:4 Shawna will be missed beyond what words can express, but she will never be forgotten. Her love remains in every heart she touched, and her family will carry her with them until they meet again.

La'Shawna Deane Taylor

November 18, 1968 - August 9, 2026