Toni Shanell Benson (Lansing)

A beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Toni Shanell Benson was granted her angel wings on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Age 23 years. Born in Lansing, Michigan on July 23, 1997 to Latasha Shanell Beard and Nathaniel Anthony Benson.

Toni loved life from an early age up to her unexpected passing. Toni Shanell grew up in the Lansing area where she attended elementary, middle school and eventually graduated with honors from Everett High School. While attending Everett, Toni was active in basketball, volleyball, and soccer, with basketball being her favorite sport. As a 3-sport athlete, Toni excelled in basketball and earned a scholarship to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio. Now a fulltime student at UNOH, she continued in her pursuit of happiness; through the adversity of life as a college student, working a full-time job and playing 2 sports. Toni never lost focus on her studies. Her hard work and dedication eventually paid off and on June 9, 2019, Toni Shanell Benson earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After graduating Toni returned to Lansing where she used her work ethic and leadership skills to earn a starting position as a Manager for Speedway Incorporation.

When remembering Toni, we know that she held a love for things such as music, food, and fashion. She loved to dance, she loved to dress, and definitely loved to eat. Toni Shanell was funny, outgoing, and vivacious as well as a symbol of power, beauty, and grace; fiercely loyal to family and friends, Toni was always there for others. We will always remember her infectious smile and caring personality. Her presence in our lives will surely be missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Latasha Shanell Beard Davis; father, Nathaniel Anthony Benson; grandmother, Karen Benson; brothers, T.J. Benson, Treyvon Davis, Braylon Sperry; aunts, Carrie Beard and Karlett Benson; uncle Kevin Benson; many cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Vanessa Beard and grandfather, Lewis Mallette.


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