“My Journey” … Let me tell you about “My Journey.” Well, it all started in a small rural town called Belhaven. I was born on March 13, 1981 to my wonderful parents, Harry R. and Gwendolyn Slade. Little did they know that God had plans for my life. So, I’d like to share highlights of my life over the past 36 years. There were days full of joy, happiness and challenges. One of my greatest accomplishments was graduating from High School. At last, I was the proud recipient of a high school diploma from Northside High School. Graduating with honors would have been a great blessing, but instead of Cum Lauda, I just settled for thank you Lordy. I had a lot of hopes and dreams after high school. I wanted to enter the health care industry and serve as a nurse. I started this dream at Edgecombe Community College, but had to withdraw because of another path my life took. However, I was blessed to work at Pitt Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC. I met so many wonderful people at Vidant and will forever cherish their friendship. Those of you who really knew me, know about my five life’s passions: hair, makeup, clothes, food and shopping. Now, I must pass the torch to my friends and say, “Carry on where I left off.” Yes, my journey had many twist and turns, but I am so grateful to God for allowing me to be born in a loving and kind family. My family has been my rock over these past few years, so let me tell you about them. Let me start with my beautiful siblings: my loving and kind-hearted brother, Rodney Slade (Sheila) of Washington; God-sisters, Jada Pickett of Washington and Tonya Credle-Moore of Greenville; and my God-brother, Anthony Windley of Greenville. There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child and oh how true that was for me. My beautiful family support continues with my grandparents, Herbert Garnett (Rosemary) of Brooklyn, NY and Deloris Booth of Pinetown; ten aunts and nine uncles; my precious nephews, Nikee Gibbs, Prince Garnett and Raheem Slade; my unforgettable nieces, Rakemia Slade, Tatiyana Garnett, Chasity Green, Jazmin Green, Aliyah Warr and my God-niece, Zharia Credle. Lastly, my special friend Chad Shields and the “Fashion Divas,” my friends forever, Byrd, Timaro, Charmee, Ms. Toni, Regina, Deshawna, Myeisha, Tarsha, Claudett, Dominique and Tamesha. A celebration of Latasha’s life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Northside High School, Pinetown. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Friday, April 28, 2017 at Hillside Funeral Service. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 East, Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Slade family.