Shuwana Nettie Burnett was born on January 24th 1972 at St John's Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Ivory Briggs and Roxie Burnett. Shuwana passed away at Brooklyn Hospital on Thursday, December 14th, 2023.

Shuwana was known to all as "Sha Sha" or "Sha". From birth, Shuwana was unique, lively, and fierce. She was known as a "fly girl". While charming she was also mischievous.  She attended PS 256 in Brooklyn, New York.  She went on to attend middle and high school in Brooklyn. At a young age, Shuwana became a mother.  However, she did not let motherhood stop her from living her life.  She received her Associates degree from TCI.  Upon graduation Shuwana accepted a position at ABSW day care center.  There she thrived as a teacher, colleague, and confidant. She worked there for over a decade and touched many lives along the way.  She treated every child like they were her own.  Shuwana later went on to work at Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation and this earned her many accolades from her bosses and colleagues.

During her short but vivacious life, three children were born to her. She was an extremely proud and loving mother and grandmother.  She sacrificed for her children and grandchildren. Her children and grands were her world, they shared a special bond. She was known to them as "Ma" or "Mema". Shuwana enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, dancing, listening to music and being outside. She walked by faith and loved the Lord. She was the family decorator and fashionista.  She never missed a birthday. Shuwana had a heart of gold and made everyone feel special, no matter their circumstances.  She loved working with the elderly and at the food pantry.  She ran many errands for seniors and became a companion to many.

Shuwana was the life of every party.  Shuwana would walk down the street speaking to many people that she knew, even strangers, because no one was a stranger to her, she made everyone feel like they were her best friend.

She is survived by her two daughters, Shaquana and Briana Burnett, her son Travon Burnett and her three grandchildren Makai Holloway, Jasiah Merritt, and Kylie Holloway, all of Brooklyn NY.  Her two sisters Katrina Pitt, of Valley Stream NY and Lasheema Burnett of Washington, DC.  One brother-in-law, Khary Pitt of Valley Stream NY. Four Aunts, Viola Ingram of Queens NY, Nancy Briggs and Joann Myrick, of Brooklyn NY, Alice Pierce of Queens NY.  One uncle, Willie Lee Myrick of Brooklyn NY. Her four nieces and one nephew who affectionately called her "Auntie Cita". Dujuan Holloway and Massiah Merritt, who referred to her as "Ma". Natoka, Nikki, Charise, Tarnise, and Nicole were her sister friends.  She also leaves behind a host of cousins, her granddogs, many, many many friends from Harlem to Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene and Farragut