Jaisha "Jaii" Ericka Renee Gooden

Jaisha Ericka Renee Gooden, affectionately known as "Jaii", passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2024, in her hometown of Mount Vernon, New York at the tender age of 21. Born to Jarren Gooden and Shaming Fite on September 24, 2002, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the first girl and grandchild in the Gooden Family.
Jaisha started her education in Troy, New York, then transferred to Kennedy School in Port Chester, New York in 2012 at the age of 9.  She completed her education and graduated from Port Chester High School in
2020.  As an active student in after-school programs, she became a member of the African American Club, Yearbook Club, Girl's Inc., and spent many hours volunteering as an office worker in the Principal’s Office. After graduating high school, with the outbreak of COVID, she attended Westchester Community College for two years. She graduated with an Associate in Science Degree in Business Management and made the President’s
List.  In 2023, she entered Hartwick College, in Oneonta, New York to complete her Master's Degree in Business Administration and minor in Digital Marketing, where she was expected to graduate in December 2024. Jaisha was awarded the Flight Path Scholar Award and the Hartwick College Founders’ Award. She would receive these awards each semester. While attending Hartwick, Jaisha made the Dean's List, was a member of the African American Club and joined The National Society of Leadership and Success Organization. She was looking forward to starting her internship with Merrill Lynch in New York and excited about her dream of starting a business in the medical field.
Jaisha is survived by her loving parents, Shaming Fite of Troy, New York, Jarren Gooden and his wife Jyspee of Port Chester, New York; paternal grandparents; Eric and Mattie Gooden of Mount Vernon, New York; brother, Innocent East of Troy, New York; sisters, Jasira and Janyla Gooden of Port Chester, New York; uncles,
Brice Gooden of Mountain View, California, Joseph and Larry Johnson of Albany, New York; aunt, Anna Johnson of Alexandria, Virginia, 5 great uncles, 7 great aunts, a host of cousins, great cousins, extended family and friends who deeply mourn her passing.
Jaisha will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her gentle soul, unselfish love, kind heart, her love of music, and the love she had for her dog Barney. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, bringing joy and laughter into their lives.
Her memory will be cherished forever by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Jaisha will be laid to rest at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, New York. Funeral Services will be private.

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