Shequita "KeKe" Celebration of Life

I never would have predicted or imagined that I would be writing this heartbreaking, but also inspirational, post.

Shequita Bender aka Kita aka KeKe, my husband’s youngest sister (my bonus sister), 37-year-old mother of three; Shanyah (19), Anthony (12) and Maddie (10), has transitioned today due to brain cancer.

Kita cancer fight began when she found out she had breast cancer in 2021. The cancer was aggressive causing her to have to get a double mastectomy and go through chemo and radiation treatments. During this, Kita was still determined to continue working and even continued to take her online college courses. She wanted to better equip herself to take care of her family while also being an example for her children. Despite the circumstances, she wanted to encourage her children to continue to work hard in school and deter them from slacking off or giving up.

Following completion of her treatments, she got good news that she was cancer free. She knew this was the work of God. She was actively attending church and was a member of Pressing Towards the Mark Church in Glenn Dale MD for years. But she wanted to rededicate her to the Lord, so she decided to get baptized again and so did her two oldest children. Once again, being an example for her children.

I remember sitting with her in the hospital earlier this year, she was telling me how her son, Anthony, was doing research on breast implants and reconstruction surgery. He told her that her breast was going to look better than they were before, he told her not to worry because her surgical procedure was going to be OK. He informed her that the research he had done had assured him of that. Kita doted on her children all the time. She was so proud of them. Often telling me how intelligent and smart all 3 of them are, all honor roll students. Her kids were the highlight of her life and everyone around her knew it. They even inspired and motivated her to go back to school.

Kita received her Associate degree in October 2022. During the trying times, she kept the faith and still found strength to continue taking her classes online. She was so excited when she finished and was looking forward to attending her graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, she couldn’t attend her ceremony due to being diagnosed with brain cancer a month before her graduation. She was in an accident and while being evaluated; doctors found cancerous tumors on her brain. She had to have brain surgery immediately to remove some of the tumors.

Even with all this going on, she still looked forward to continuing her career in healthcare at MedStar hospital and furthering her education to get her bachelor’s degree. Even earning the “Kindness Matter” award, on her job, from the Director of Preoperative Service.

As I mentioned, Shequita lived and fought to live for her kids, ensuring that they were striving to be the best versions of themselves. She was looking forward to seeing her oldest daughter, Shanyah, off to prom next week and attending graduation from high school. Shanyah is not only graduating, despite all she has endured, she is graduating with HONORS and attending Bowie State this fall!

Over the years, I’ve been amazed at all that Shequita was going through, she still went above and beyond taking care of her children and staying on them to continue working hard in school. Education for her children was important to her. I know in my heart Shequita wanted her kids to continue to excel in their education, furthering their education beyond high school, and striving to earn the degrees she aspired for them.

I’ve had many conversations with my sister and during these conversations I ensured her that I would be there for her kids in whatever way I had to. God willing, I will not break the promise I made to her. She was a proud mom, wanted nothing but the best for her kids. I pray that all their dreams and aspirations come true.

Kita has gone home with the Lord, but it has now become our job as a family, as friends and as a community to pick up were Kita left off and continue to push her kids to be great. It’s rare that children go through the things that they have gone through and still maintain exceeding satisfactory in their academics.

On top of Kita burial, during the next couple weeks we have Kita oldest daughter, Shanyah, prom, graduation, college preparation and move. Donations will be greatly appreciated. Every little bit will help and whether you donate or not, please continue to pray for all the lives Kita has touched and say a special prayer for her kids.

Donations can be sent through this GoFundMe or CashApp to $Bennieb1738. Thanks in advance for assistance.

Kita, I love you, will miss you more then you could imagine, but I find peace in knowing that you are now free of pain and resting peacefully with God.