WILMINGTON — Shantea Renee Long, affectionately known as, Shana, age 45, was gracefully called home to be with the Lord on June 19, 2026. Born on June 16, 1981, Shantea entered this world with a fighting spirit that would define every day of her life.
At just 9 months old, Shana contracted meningitis, which led to a long-term diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Doctors gave her a life expectancy of only two years — but Shana had other plans. Through the power of love, unwavering family support, and dedicated medical care, she defied every expectation and blessed this world for 45 years. Her life stands as a testament that love and care can truly bring you a long way.
Shana was raised with immeasurable devotion by her aunt, primary caregiver, and the woman who was truly her mother in every sense of the word, Diana D. Bryant (preceded in death by her husband, Larry Bryant). Diana’s love was the cornerstone of Shana’s life, and it is because of that love that Shana thrived. She is also survived by her biological mother, Sophia Long.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved siblings: Angela Bryant, Valeria Hale, Sharae Jackson (Trever), Shiheem Bryant, Sharod Bryant, Shaquan Bryant, and Shawn Bryant. Her special caretakers who poured into her daily care and well-being: Denise Hale, Jananya Hale, Liz Dobbs, and Dr. Jill Finnegan. Her extended family: her aunt, Yvonne Diggs & Family; her uncle, Willie Edward Long, Travis Hale, Jr., Rachel Wright (Blake), Jasmin Hale, Jamel Hale, Amari Bryant, Aaliyah Jackson, and Jermaine Mitchell, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends, including her church community at the Gathering Place International.
Shantea, you were never just a survivor — you were proof of what love can do. You outlived every doubt, and you leave behind a legacy of strength, grace, and the reminder that a life fully loved is a life fully lived.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 4925 New Centre Drive, Wilmington, NC.
