Adrianna Shanice Newborn

Adrianna Shanice Newborn came into the world on January 30, 2000, and those touched by her life would never be the same. Her parents Shunn Newborn and Zalia knew right away that Adrianna would one day make a forever-lasting impression in this world. As a baby she was active and exploratory; she warmed up easily to anyone and possessed an infectious giggle and smile that would melt any heart. 

As a little girl, she was baptized and united with Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. She was an exemplary student at Parkview High School where she graduated in 2018. She was very outgoing and made friends with all races. Adrianna knew the value and worth of being a true friend. If ever a title existed “Selfie Queen” she was. Adrianna loved to Facebook and post “selfies”, she also used it to keep up with family and friends, send an encouraging message, or post her accomplishments. 

Adrianna was ambitious and found that education was the key to her future. She enrolled at Philander Smith College and her life was forever changed. She made friends with the administration, faculty, staff, and students. While at Philander she was initiated as a member of the Gamma Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on March 17, 2019. She served as treasurer and president during her time at Philander Smith College. Adrianna graduated from Philander Smith College Magna Cum Laude in May 2022, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration—Accounting.  

Adrianna, full of life and ambition moved to McKinney, Texas. She landed a job as an accountant at RSM US LLP; an audit, tax, and consulting services for middle market leaders. With an intent to forge her career and she was preparing to take the NASBA Certified Public Accountants exam and was currently pursuing a Master’s degree in business administration at Western Governors University.

When not working Adrianna enjoyed, shopping, shopping, and more shopping.  She loved being in the company of family and friends; and was often the center of attention.

Adrianna slipped away from this life on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at her home in McKinney, Texas. Although her absence leaves a void, her memory will live on.  

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Margie Newborn Bates and Robert Bates, Fredrick Winfrey; her great-grandparents, L.C. and Roberta Newborn, Martha Henderson, and Otha Lockett; and an uncle, Dominic Whitaker.
Her love, smile, and laughter will forever live in the hearts of her parents, Shunn Newborn of McKinney, Texas; Zalia Channah (Neariah A.) Israel of Lancaster, Texas; her brothers, Stephen Kelly, IV., of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jeremiah Kelly of Mayflower, Arkansas, Cameron Newborn and Collin Newborn both of McKinney, Texas; aunts and uncles, Laken Whitaker, Martesia Bates, Viola Dawson, Jarmain Merritt, Jerica Walls, Noel Bates, Timothy Bates, Kimberly Bates, Kevin Bates, and Noel Bates; her grandparents, Barbara Winfrey, Henry Charles Whitake; her great-grandparents, Charles and Geneva Whitaker. Adrianna also leaves an innumerable number of great aunts and uncles, cousins special friends, Roberta Newborn, LaSha Harper, Maliyah Bates, Mallory Williams, Mickayla Strother, Caitlyn Charles, and other friends. 

The public may pay respects on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be held directly following the family gathering. A Service of Love and Remembrance will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., pastor, Rev. Roy Wesley, eulogist, and Rev. Vernon Moody, officiant. Interment will be Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be TaJuan Newborn, Derrick Marlow, Keenan Whitaker, Carlos Whitaker, Kendrick Whitaker, Adrian Whitaker

Kendall Quarles and Kevin Bates, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Gamma Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority. Inc.