Shanta Uniqua Durham

Shanta Uniqua Durham, daughter of Shaketa Kearney and Unique Frankie Mercado was born on August 23, 1991. She departed this life on December 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, beauty, strength, and an unforgettable presence.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Shanta began her educational journey in the Newark public schools system. After moving to North Carolina, she attended Riverside High School and later attended Durham Technical Community College, continuing her passion for learning and commitment to growth.

In high school, Shanta developed a love for modeling which continued long after. She later became a choreographer mentoring young girls in modeling and dance—teaching confidence, grace, and self expression. Her talents extended far beyond that. She also worked compassionately as a home healthcare aide, bringing comfort, love, and warmth to the elderly.

Even though she held numerous positions in different fields, she found her niche in doing hair. Shanta was a gifted cosmetologist who poured her heart into the craft that she loved. Working with her business partner at Ndia’s Hair Gallery she made every client feel beautiful, confident, and seen.

Growing up Shanta was a member of the Sherman Universal Prayer Band Church under the leadership of her great- great- great grandmother the late Mother Alice (Nana) Lyons. She was introduced to Christ and his Word at a very young age. She grew up singing in several church choirs, and actively participated in various ministries such as Youth and Outreach ministries. Believing in the power of God and of prayer, also knowing that she needed more than just an introduction to Christ, she later received and confessed Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. She was a member of Greater Sherman Deliverance and Empowerment Ministries under the leadership of the late Bishop Ellis E. Moore; she also attended God’s General Cathedral of Power, under the leadership of Dr. Geraldine Billings, located in Durham, N.C.

Shanta was a natural leader—strong, protective, loving, and bold. Above all Shanta was a devoted and proud mother to her daughter Kass. Her love for her family and friends was limitless and unwavering. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cherishing Shanta’s memory is the village that cared for, and loved her. The light of her life, her daughter Kassidy Durham-Jones, NC; her parents whom she adored, Unique Frankie Mercado, NJ; ShaketaKearney, Rawl Stuart (step-father), NC; two loving sisters, Shaniqua(Mya) Durham, Alexis Kearney, both of NC; two loving brothers, Masik Jackson, Fairbanks, AK; Haven Stuart, NC; beloved nephew, Andre Malachi Thompson, NC; grandfather, Efrain Mercado, PR; four aunts, Jacqueline Mercado, NJ; Kumioa (Bryant) Mingo, NJ; Mashonda Durham, NC; Teresa Kearney, NJ; one uncle, Darryl Garrett, CA; special aunts and uncle, Roxie Moore, NC; Lolitha and Offie Dennis, NJ; one great-great-great aunt, Annie Mae Goins, NC; god-brother, Michael Williams, NC; numerous aunts, uncles, cousin-siblings, cousins, friends, god-parents, home girls and home boys.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ada Serrano, Newather Durham, and Daryl Massey; great-grandparents, Catherine (Bill) and Isaiah Massey; step-father Tyrone Kearney; uncle, Jamaal Durham; and special uncle-father, Ellis Moore.