FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Community Grieves the Heartbreaking Loss of Shanice Scott, A Beloved Soul Gone Too Soon
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A Life Filled With Purpose and Grace
Shanice Scott, 28, was far more than a name or a headline — she was a vibrant, multifaceted soul whose presence left a lasting impact wherever she went. Born and raised in Fayetteville, Shanice was the embodiment of resilience and grace. A proud graduate of E.E. Smith High School, she was admired for her academic drive and her natural leadership, traits that carried her through her years at Fayetteville State University, where she earned a degree in social work.
Those who knew Shanice remember her not just for her accomplishments but for how she made them feel — seen, heard, and valued. She was a true listener, someone who never passed judgment and offered love in every interaction. Her laughter could fill a room, her empathy could soothe the most troubled heart, and her advice was always filled with both wisdom and warmth.
“She was a light in our lives,” said her sister, Mariah Scott. “She didn’t just care about people — she lived to help them. If you needed a ride, a meal, a hug, or just someone to talk to at 2 a.m., Shanice was that person.”
A Devoted Daughter, Sister, and Friend
Family was everything to Shanice. She was the oldest of three siblings and often stepped into a nurturing role that her brother Malik described as “a second mother with the heart of a best friend.” Her parents, Tanya and Derrick Scott, raised Shanice with deep values of service, respect, and faith — values she carried into adulthood with pride.
“She was our anchor,” her father shared through tears. “When everything felt uncertain, Shanice was steady. She believed in us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
Shanice also maintained close, meaningful friendships. Her circle of friends described her as the one who always remembered birthdays, sent handwritten notes, organized spontaneous weekend getaways, and cheered the loudest at their milestones. “She showed up,” said her lifelong friend, Alana Jones. “In big ways and small ways — always, she showed up.”
A Calling to Serve
Professionally, Shanice was a passionate advocate for youth and families, working as a case manager for a local nonprofit organization that provided resources to underprivileged communities. Her tireless commitment to social justice, mental health advocacy, and community outreach earned her recognition from colleagues and the gratitude of many she helped along the way.
“She had a gift,” said Marlon Hayes, her supervisor. “She could connect with the most closed-off, hurting people and give them hope. That’s not something you can teach — it’s something you are. Shanice was hope.”
In her free time, she volunteered at shelters, mentored high school girls, and led workshops on self-esteem, wellness, and healing. Her dream was to eventually start a nonprofit of her own that offered holistic support for women and children experiencing trauma and poverty.
The Sudden Loss and Its Aftermath
The suddenness of Shanice’s passing has sent shockwaves through the community. While the family has requested privacy regarding the details, the emotional impact has been deeply felt across Fayetteville. Social media has since become a digital memorial, filled with photos, shared stories, and messages of heartbreak, gratitude, and love.
Local churches, schools, and community centers have all expressed their condolences. A candlelight vigil is planned for this Friday evening at Seabrook Park, where Shanice often walked, journaled, and found peace. Organizers are encouraging all attendees to wear yellow — her favorite color, symbolizing light, warmth, and hope — and to bring letters or flowers in her memory.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to assist with funeral costs and to begin laying the foundation for a scholarship fund in Shanice’s name, aimed at supporting young women pursuing careers in social work and public service.
Honoring Her Legacy
Shanice Scott’s life was a testament to the extraordinary power of love, empathy, and service. Her departure is a loss not only to those who knew her personally but to the greater community she uplifted every single day.
As friends and family prepare to say their final goodbyes, one message continues to echo through every tribute: She mattered.
She mattered in the lives of the children she counseled. She mattered to the friends who leaned on her during their hardest nights. She mattered to her family, who cherished her guidance and love. And she matters now, even in her absence — her legacy continuing in the hearts and actions of those she inspired.
Memorial Arrangements
A celebration of Shanice’s life will take place on Saturday, June 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Kingdom Living Ministries Church in Fayetteville. The service will be open to the public, with a repast to follow at the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shanice Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund (details to follow), or to a local shelter or youth center in her honor.
In life, Shanice Scott gave all of herself — her love, her time, her strength — to lift others. And in her passing, that light continues to shine, guiding those she left behind toward kindness, compassion, and community.