LaTrice LaToya Newton

LaTrice’s Story: The Light of a Superstar

 Ms. LaTrice LaToya Newton was born on November 28th, 1981, to her loving mother, Lucy Ree Newton, and father, Johnny Morris Jr. From the very beginning, Lucy Ree saw her beautiful daughter as something extraordinary, her shining star and greatest joy. She was raised in faith at St. James CME Church and later continued her spiritual journey at World Impact Ministries. LaTrice radiated a light that touched everyone around her. With a heart of gold, a vibrant spirit, and a laugh that could fill any room, she was truly the life of every party, leaving behind a legacy of joy, love, and unforgettable moments. 

On July 20th, 2025, LaTrice passed away surrounded by love. Known as a superstar among family and friends, LaTrice brought energy, humor, and warmth wherever she went. She was fiercely devoted to her four boys Kazion, Rylan, Royal, and Reign always showing up with strength and love. Though she had a passion for doing hair and fashion, she took even greater pride in being a boy and sports mom, cheering from the sidelines with unmatched enthusiasm and joy.

 LaTrice had a deep love for music and dancing, always moving to the rhythm of her own drum. She lived freely, unapologetically, and poured her joy into everything she did. A proud graduate of Freeport High School, Class of 2000, LaTrice moved to California shortly after graduation. There, she earned her Medical Assistant diploma from Summit Career College in Colton, CA, in 2003. She worked as a CNA at Stephenson Nursing Center and at FHN in the GI Lab as a GI Tech for many years.Her heart for service and encouragement led her to work as a Family Resource Coordinator at Carl Sandburg, where she made a meaningful impact on the students she mentored and uplifted. LaTrice lived with an open heart and a spirit of generosity. She was always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind word, or simply be there when someone needed support. Her strength was steady and felt most in the way she cared, gave, and showed up for others. She led with love in all that she did, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

LaTrice was preceded in death by her beloved son, Reason Hartsel Jerome Shirley; her father, Johnny Morris Jr.; her brother, Jonny Ray McGee; her aunt, Virginia Allen Sanders; and her cherished maternal and paternal grandparents. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, resilience, and light. 

Treasuring her memory are her children: Kazion, Rylan, Royal, and Reign; her bonus daughter, Raniyah; and her Godsons, Nevin and Ja’Dean. She is also survived by her devoted mother, Lucy Ree (Donnie) Maupin, and the love of her life and significant other, Ryan Shirley. Her memory lives on through her siblings: special brother Johnny Morris III, Dasheka, Chandra, and Anthony Morris, Tykiela, Jerod, and Aissa Hughes, Bettina Clark, and Denise Ratliff. LaTrice’s village includes her devoted godmothers, LaTonia Johnson and Joyce Ann Robinson; godfather, Lendell McClain; her special uncle, Boston Newton III; aunts Sandy Jamison, Cindy Lenoir, and Nina Ishmon. 

She will be deeply missed by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. LaTrice’s story is one of light, laughter, and unshakable love, a true superstar whose impact will never fade.