YaQseana Elishah Cotton 'Yashi'

In loving memory of YaQseana Elishah Cotton, who gracefully departed from this world on May 8, 2026. Born on September 6, 2000, in Harrisburg, PA, YaQseana was a beacon of joy and love, who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter were a testament to her joyous and playful nature. YaQseana was a beloved daughter to Willie Gray and Charlene Cotton, who cherished every moment with their vibrant daughter. She was a devoted sister to Maurquetta Gray, and a cherished sister to her six brothers: Jahiem Cotton-Morgan (Mickeira), Ta'Shawn (Leah), Samuel, Cristian, NaKe Gray, and Kimani Savage. Her nurturing spirit shone through her relationships with her godsisters, Shakiyah Johnson and Miya Marshman, and her godbrother, Malachi Chamblee. Her legacy is carried on by her loving nieces Journee, Stormi, Reign, Arkela, and Amara, and her nephews Chase, Kayden, Kashmir, Zy'Aire, and Noble. YaQseana's affectionate nature and vibrant personality were a source of inspiration and joy for her entire extended family, which includes her grandmothers Daisy Gray and Shirley Bartley, her grandfathers Larry Parker and Reginald Rogers, her aunts Shawnquilla Gray, Latoya Bartley, and Charquinta Cotton, her uncles Carlos Parker, Jason Moore, James Parker, Antonio Gray, Delasio Bartley, and Dexter Alston, and her great aunt Catherine Lawre. YaQseana's time at Fairview Early Childhood and Rocky Mount High School was marked by a passion for dance and music. Her favorite pastime was joyfully creating TikTok videos with her nieces, where her favorite dance, "stick it and roll it," showcased her zest for life. Her voice would often fill the room with melodies of her all-time favorite song, Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together." Though her time with us was far too brief, YaQseana leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was preceeded in death by her three daughters, her Aunt Stephanie Jones, her Grandmother Bernadette Bass, and her Grandfathers Samuel Tucker and Willie Gray, who now embrace her with open arms. YaQseana's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Her joyous, silly, and affectionate presence will be profoundly missed, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. While we mourn her loss, we find solace in celebrating the beautiful life she lived, full of love, dance, and song. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. May YaQseana Elishah Cotton rest in eternal peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be forever cherished.