Shanda Lynette Barnes, 49, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023.  She is a native of Hampton, Virginia and also spent many years in Houston, Texas. Shanda is preceded in death by her father, Anthony L. Jefferson, and her youngest daughter, Kyazia. She was employed by Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services as a Prevention Specialist and held many positions as a Qualified Mental Health Professional throughout Coastal Virginia.

Shanda received a B.S in Psychology from Saint Leo University, and was approximately three semesters away from completing her Masters Degree.

Shanda frequently enjoyed joking around--pulling practical joke shenanigans, and making people laugh.  She also worked part-time as a private duty aide to Seniors and they frequently requested her presence even on her off-duty days.  Shanda accepted Christ in her life at an early age.

Shanda enjoyed working in the Portsmouth Community advocating for mental health awareness, facilitating seminars for seniors and children. Shanda absolutely loved animals, including her three guinea pigs and the late Yorkie, Aubrey Simone. One of her favorite pastimes was meeting with her "bestie" for regular girlfriend time.  Of course, she savored each and every opportunity she could to fly to Florida to spend quality time with her grandson JaDarien affectionately, called "Jada-Kiss."  Shanda loved and doted on her children and grandson.  She was ecstatic about the arrival of the newest addition, Bryan Jr.

Shanda is survived by her children, Selya M. Record of Tampa, Florida and Juloney T. Barnes of Victoria, Texas; mother, Gale B. Baylor (Alonzo) of Chesapeake, Virginia; beloved "special adopted father", Leon W. Baylor, Jr. of Saluda, Virginia, maternal grandparents, Mr. Jimmie Barnes (Eleanor) and the late Elma L. Barnes of Hampton, Virginia; paternal grandparents the late John A. Jefferson and Mildred Jefferson; six brothers Leon W. Baylor III (Yameilee), Jason P. Baylor (Kelli), Terrace, Monuel and the late Maurice Purnell; five sisters, Tiesha Brown, Ariel Jefferson, Rachel Gibson, Teta Purnell and Torie Freeman. She also leaves to cherish her maternal aunt, Lois L. Barnes and maternal uncles, James D. Barnes and Jeffrey J. Barnes (Lisa). Shanda leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family members, many caring friends, neighbors and co-workers.

A celebration of Shanda's Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive in Hampton. A repast will follow the homegoing celebration in the fellowship hall.