Memorial

Shakira Ayoka Jones passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023. She was 20 years old.

Shakira was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 28, 2003.

Shakira was fascinated by the world around her and was on her way to graduating from Metro High School in May 2024. She will no longer have the opportunity to pursue her aspirations, but she would like others to seize opportunities that come their way.

Shakira's inner and outer beauty appeared to glow from the minute she was born. Anyone who met her fell in love with her right away. While it's easy to fall in love with babies, Shakira's personality became more appealing as she grew older. She was never short of friends who were willing to share her time and energy.

Shakira is survived by her mother, Shanequa Dobbins; father, Glynn Jones Jr.; brothers, Ryan Jones, Paris Jones, Ernest Ross Jr. and John Ross; sisters, Laniece Jones, Eiaina Williams, and Candice Barns; grandmothers, Georgia Dobbins and Harriett Franklin; and a large extended family. 

Her grandfather, Milton Dobbins, great-grandparents, Marie Swayze, Alverna Franklin, and Sam Franklin, as well as her uncle, Cornelius "Darnell" Henderson, preceded her in death.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 11:00am-12:00pm, at Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2531 42nd St NE in Cedar Rapids (located across from Kennedy High School). Funeral service will follow at 12:30pm at the Church. 

Shakira will be greatly missed.