Tashana Marie Carter

November 17, 1981 - December 19, 2019

Tashana M. Carter (Shana) departed her life on December 19, 2019 at Hackensack University Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Known for her vivacious smile and her profound spirit, Tashana touched the lives of so many people. Tashana was born November 17, 1981 in Paterson, New Jersey daughter of the late, Barbara Carter and Tyrone Cooks. She attended school #15 and Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton, NJ. In 2000, she graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson NJ. In that same year Tashana became a mother for the first time. She gave birth to her daughter Arionna. She would soon give birth to her sons Richard H. Garcia Jr and Jaylon Garcia. Tashana went on to become a working woman and a dedicated mother. She started her earlier career in retail and would go on to join Bioreference Laboratories for over 8+ years. During her life Tashana was an active member of Roger Williams Baptist Church in Passaic, NJ. She was also a dedicated advocate for Cancer Awareness. Diagnosed with Breast cancer in her early 20’s, Tashana was proactive and strong-willed in her fight against the disease. She spent endless hours committed to the longevity of her care. Tashana was not only dedicated to her own life, but the life of her children and all those she loved and adored. She is proceeded in death by her mother Barbara Carter, Father Tyrone Cooks, Maternal Grandmother Ruth Carter, Paternal Grandmother Joan Cooks, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She leaves to cherish wonderful memories: a daughter, Arionna I. Garcia and two sons Richard H. Garcia Jr and Jaylon Garcia of Garfield, NJ; two sisters Jabria Bolden of Paterson, NJ and Barbara Carter of Passaic, NJ. Four Brothers Keshawn T. Carter (Twin), Jemell Carter, NJ, Fuquan Carter, and Oliver Hines all of Paterson, NJ. Her lifetime partner Richard H. Garcia. Aunts Robin Carter, Gail Carter, Janice Carter, Remel Dixon, Wanda Cooks, Carolyn Cooks, and Colleen Cooks. Three uncles Dale Carter, Eric Carter, and Jeffrey Carter. Her nieces Phoenix Hines, Aaliyah Carter, Tania Soto, Kimoraa Lewis. Her nephews Takai Hines, A’mari Correa, Elijah Rodriguez, and Matthew Soto, Special cousins Ashlee Carter and Nikya Davis. Her bonus sisters Tamara Capers and Miosotis Garcia, Best friend Sharleen Gonzalez and Xiomara Mendez Fantauzzi. And a host of family and friends whom she loved.