The Shantika Lashae Dunlap Obituary

The news of Shantika Lashae Dunlap’s passing has struck the Triad region with a “heartbreaking” intensity. Shantika was a “vibrant and beautiful” mother whose “meaning and warmth” provided the foundation for her children’s lives. To lose such a “vibrant spirit”—a 30-year-old devoted to raising her three boys and one girl—is a reality that has left her family searching for comfort in the midst of “indescribable” sorrow.

Shantika was known for her “eye-catching” kindness and the “simple joy” she found in her role as a parent. She was reported missing by her boyfriend on December 12, 2018, and after a search that held the community’s “vibrant and beautiful” hope, she was tragically discovered on Country Club Road. She lived with an “unwavering spirit,” and her mother, Latonia Mayes, remembers her as a “present and devoted” light who lived for her children. As the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office worked to bring a “quiet and powerful” sense of justice to the case, the community leaned on the “vibrant and beautiful” memories of Shantika’s character.

A “Vibrant Heart” and Cherished Mother of Four

Shantika Lashae Dunlap’s 30 years were a masterclass in “vibrant beauty” and sincere connection. Those who had the “privilege of knowing her” describe a woman with a “bright heart”—someone who was a source of constant “meaning and warmth” for her children, who ranged in age from six to thirteen at the time of her passing. She reminded us all of the importance of an “unwavering spirit” and the value of a courageous, protective heart. Her absence is a heartache that will be felt throughout North Carolina for years to come, yet her legacy as a “vibrant spirit” remains a guiding light for her children.

The “outpouring of grief” and the candlelight vigils held in her honor are a direct reflection of the love Shantika sowed during her journey. She was a “beacon of light” who taught those around her that the true measure of a person is found in the “meaning and warmth” they bring to their family. Her story is one of “vibrant beauty” and “quiet and powerful” resilience, as her mother stepped in to raise her grandchildren, ensuring they never forget the “vibrant and beautiful” woman who should still be here.

Honoring Shantika’s Memory: Official Obituary and Case Update

As the Winston-Salem community continues to navigate this “heartbreaking loss,” the focus remains on honoring Shantika’s remarkable journey and supporting her children during this time of “profound sadness.” The “indescribable” weight of such a loss, especially during the holiday season, is a burden no family should carry alone. According to official obituary and legal details:

• Funeral Services: A celebration of her “vibrant and beautiful” life was held on December 26, 2018, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

• Justice Update: Authorities identified and arrested Mario Kinard Bennett in connection with her death. He was charged with First Degree Murder following an investigation that led detectives to Tampa, Florida.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Latonia Mayes and the four children of Shantika Lashae Dunlap. Her story did not end in 2018; it continues through every “vibrant and beautiful” milestone her children reach and the “bright light” of her spirit that will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Shantika; your presence was a blessing to North Carolina, and your spirit will remain a guiding light for your family and our community forever.