Shaheed Cato

Shaheed Oluwakayode Cato was born Shaheed Smith to La-Cressa Smith on December 18, 1999. She loved Shaheed on first breathe. She asked a special woman in her heart, who cared for her, to care for him. Shaheed was adopted by Sandra Cato and Charlie Moses. Shaheed never went with strangers or people he did not trust. So on Monday, August 18, 2014, in the morning hours, the Lord had his work cut out. Finally at 6:15pm the Lord's work was done. Shaheed knew he was going to a far better place. So he left without saying, "goodbye" because he knew it's more like "see you later". Shaheed attended Quitman Street School from PreK-4th grade, then went on to Dayton Street School from 5th grade to 7th grade. Shaheed finalized his elementary school days at Miller Street School where he graduated from the 8th grade. He lead the march "Team Cats" while attending Miller Street School. Shaheed joined "The Fleet Mentor Program". Its a program done by State Police to help people who are in need of strong role models under the guidance of Sergeant First Class Gregory Williams of the NJ State Police. Shaheed's mentor/friend, Trooper Erik Rodriquez took Shaheed on trips, just the other week to the beach. One very special moment in Shaheed's life, is when Trooper Rodriquez got off work to rush to see Shaheed graduate. I (his uncle) knew then Shaheed had a friend who would love him like his family does. Thank you Trooper Rodriquez. These 14 years have been the best time in all our family's lives. He was a great kid, funny, always trying to hike on his uncle. He tied up the phone for hours with his sisters, Delores and Crystal, friends and even teachers. Oh, dont let me forget he could get aggy "lol". I can hear moms now, "Shaheed go sit your skinny A-S-S down somewhere". Now their bond was unbreakable. She went over and beyond for him. I know for a fact La-Cressa is saying, "thank you Mommy you did your best I got him from here!!!" I cannot leave out his sister/best-friend and roll dawg, Na-Na, those two was always together, good times and bad times, and pissing moms off. Shaheed was preceded in death by his mother, La-Cressa Smith, uncle, James Yakim Smith, sister, Zennoria Cato and others who are no longer here. Shaheed leaves to cherish and carry his memory: mom, Sandra Cato; dad, Charlie Moses; grandmother, Annie Anderson; sisters, Delores, Crystal, Shaquana and Sharifa Smith, Ta-Tanizha Cato, Arlene Moses, Alicha Franklin and Thurayya Key; brothers, Deandre, Laquan and Andrew Smith, Ti-John Cato and Tamodd Young; uncles, Idris and Farrakhan Cato; aunts, Lisa Anderson and Lodi Henry; cousins, Laron, Laila, Laron Jr. and London Anderson and Yakim Cato; and a host of other family and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Shaheed Cato . You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please sign "Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.