Created July 12, 1986, born on April 12, 1987, and returned to sender on March 12, 2023. God blessed my life that day and my life is forever enhanced because I had you. Many knew of you, but only a few truly knew you. You were that someone who will never be forgotten. I can easily remember your first smile, yet I find myself struggling to remember your last.
Victoria Shantika April Chynay Gillard was the name given to her at birth. All of her names completely described her character. She had a big mouth and said exactly what was on her mind. If you came wrong, then she was sure to give you what you earned. My Victoria was never at a loss for words. She was the smallest person in the crowd, with the biggest personality in the entire room. My Shantika would fight with you, then turn right around and fight for you. My April, that spark of spring in the world of those she loved. She refused not having her way.
My Chynay, my breath, when I didn’t know how to breathe or want to. You, my love, was a loan to us from God, and my true Defender. So, no more tears, no more suffering. It’s time for me to “Return to Sender.” I hope to see you one day in Heaven.
Victoria Shantika April Chynay Gillard departed this life on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, LaSandra D. Butler (Kenneth Shanks); four beautiful girls for us to love, Anastasia Hendricks (father, Ervin Hendricks), Ny’Tasia Gillard, Journie Anderson, and Londyn Anderson (father, Rodriguez Anderson); four brothers, Octavius “Tay” Gillard, Lamar “Dude” Hardy, Jr., LaVonte “Popi” Hardy, and Kashare’ “Doughski” Hardy; six sisters, ShaLindra “Brittany” Daniels, Kalandra “Kali” Hardy, Kourtney Hardy, Tyreshia “Ty” King, Etora “Echy” Wilkins, and Brashun Ross; two godmothers, LaTanya “Auntie” Hardy and Rebecca Coney; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.