Natasha Shonnette Thomas, 54, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Natasha was born on October 27, 1970, in Port Gibson, Mississippi, to Yvonne Thomas (who preceded her in death) and Sam Cadney Jr. Natasha was baptized at The Greater St. Mark Baptist Church at an early age.  She attended Richardson Elementary School in Port Gibson MS until at the age of nine, she moved with her family to Chicago, IL. It was in Chicago where Natasha grew up, made lifelong friends, and built a family and a happy life.

She dedicated herself to raising her three beloved children: Tiaesha Thomas (Melbourne, Australia), Tatiana Thomas (Detroit, MI), and Isaiah King (Chicago, IL), who were the center of her universe. Natasha was known for her beautiful smile, her loving and easy-going spirit, and her ability to make anyone feel at ease in her presence. She had a gift for bringing people together and enjoyed gathering with her family (especially the cousins) and her wonderful group of lifelong friends.  She loved music and the color purple.

Natasha graduated from Sullivan High School in Chicago, IL in 1988.  She went on to earn an associate’s degree in business administration from Harry S. Truman College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Natasha also touched the lives of many throughout her 22-year career as an accountant for the Northshore University Health System where she received numerous accolades and awards for her service and her ability to connect with co-workers.

Natash leaves behind her three children: Tiaesha, Tatiana, and Isaiah; her siblings: Travvar Thomas and Trumaine Hardy; her father: Sam (Julliette) Cadney Jr. (Jackson, MS); and an extended family of aunts: Callie (Dannie) Beasley (Vicksburg, MS), Annie McGowan (College Station, TX), and Patricia (Ricky) Fields (Monroe, LA) ; Uncles: Clarence (Preshervie) Thomas (Edwards, MS), Robert Thomas (New Orleans, LA), James (Ivy) Thomas (Buffalo, NY), and John Cadney (Monroe, LA); a large group of loving cousins; her life-long friends Michelle Buissereth, Cynthia Fortune, and Annette Miller, Stephanie, Lakivia, Marie, and Kimberly (all of Chicago, IL); and a host of cherished friends to  honor her memory and carry forth her peaceful and loving spirit. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Ashland Missionary Baptist Church in Port Gibson, MS.  She will be laid to rest at Asland Cemetery alongside her mother (Yvonne) and grandmother (Emma Lee Thomas Smith).

 Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info, 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com