YaQseana Elishah Cotton

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved YaQseana Elishah Cotton, who left this world on May 8, 2026, at the tender age of 25. Born on September 6, 2000, in Harrisburg, PA, YaQseana was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew her. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family and friends. YaQseana was the cherished daughter of Willie Gray and Charlene Cotton, who survive her. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Maurquetta Gray, and her two godsisters, Shakiyah Johnson and Miya Marshman. Her six brothers—Jahiem Cotton-Morgan (Mickeira), Ta’Shawn (Leah), Samuel, Cristian, NaKe Gray, and Kimani Savage—will forever hold her memory close. Her laughter and love also touched the lives of her five nieces—Journee, Stormi, Reign, Arkela, and Amara—and her four nephews—Chase, Kayden, Kashmir, and Zy’Aire. YaQseana was surrounded by a large and loving extended family, including her godbrother Malachi Chamblee, grandmothers Daisy Gray and Shirley Bartley, and grandfathers Larry Parker and Reginald Rogers. She was the treasured niece of aunts Shawnquilla Gray, Latoya Bartley, Charquinta Cotton, and uncles Carlos Parker, Jason Moore, James Parker, Antonio Gray, and Delasio Bartley. Her great aunts Catherine Lawrence, Alice Williams, Patricia Williams, and great uncle Donald Cotton were also dear to her heart. She shared a special bond with her Aunt Shante Williams and her special cousins—Shnyia Gray, Skylah Mabry, Cayla Morgan, Makalay Williams, and Octavious Williams. Her life was enriched by the love and friendship of her special friend, Delonta Richardson, and her bonus moms, Latoya Hayes and Natatsha Savage. YaQseana was also blessed with the love of her godmothers, the late Angela Norris and Sharon Simpkins. YaQseana was predeceased by her three precious daughters, her aunt Stephanie Jones, her grandmother Bernadette Bass, and her grandfathers Samuel Tucker and Willie Gray. Their spirits now embrace her in the afterlife. YaQseana was a vibrant soul, known for her infectious energy and love of life. She attended Fairview Early Childhood, where her love for learning and her bright personality shone through. Her passion for dancing, especially performing TikTok dances with her nieces, brought joy to countless others. Her favorite dance, "Stick It and Roll It," will always remind us of her zest for life and her ability to bring smiles to those around her. YaQseana's passing is mourned by a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we gather to remember YaQseana, let us celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. Her spirit remains alive in the memories we hold dear, and her presence will forever be missed but never forgotten. A service to honor YaQseana's life will be held on [date], at [location]. We invite all those who knew and loved her to join us in remembrance and celebration.