Q'yaka Samese ("Skitty") Lathan

Q’yaka Samese Lathan was born on June 7, 1984, in Lancaster, South Carolina, to Sammie Miller Lathan and Annie Jean Brooks Lathan. On June 26, 2026, Q’yaka peacefully fell asleep leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Q’yaka was a devoted homemaker who found great joy in caring for others. She was educated in the Lancaster County School District and proudly graduated from Lancaster High School in 2002. She later continued her education at the University of South Carolina Lancaster.

Q’yaka possessed a heart unlike any other. She genuinely loved people and never met a stranger. Whether through a warm conversation, a listening ear, or words of encouragement, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her compassionate spirit allowed her to nurture, counsel, inspire, teach, and uplift countless family members, friends, and acquaintances throughout her life.

She especially enjoyed cooking, meeting new people, and building meaningful relationships. One of Q’yaka’s greatest joys was spending time with her beloved family. She also adored her cherished dogs, Merlot and Gemini, who brought her endless comfort and companionship. Above all, she shared an extraordinary bond with her mother, who was truly the sunshine of her life. Her kindness, generosity, infectious smile, and loving spirit made her one of a kind. She will also be greatly missed by the many friends she made through TikTok and by everyone whose life she touched.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her loving parents, Sammie Miller Lathan and Annie Jean Brooks Lathan of Lancaster, South Carolina; her two brothers, Aurileo "Reco" Lathan (Shadonna) and De'Mantre Lathan (Nicole), both of Lancaster, South Carolina.

She also leaves behind her devoted aunts: Pearlie Tucker; Lillie (Shudell) McGriff; Arlene Lathan; Nancy Benson; Kathy Johnson; Dwana (Rickey) Duncan; and Tracy Brooks Bailey, all of Lancaster, South Carolina; Kay (Joe) Harris and Linda Brooks of Baltimore, Maryland; and her special aunt, Angela Brooks of Pikesville, Maryland.

Her cherished uncles include Arthur (Carrie) Lathan of Winnsboro, South Carolina; Thomas (Gloria) Lathan of Columbia, South Carolina; Reverend Otis (Francina) Lathan and Mark (Wanda) Lathan, both of Lancaster, South Carolina; Gregory Brooks of Baltimore, Maryland; and her special uncle, Eddie (Daphne) Lathan, also of Lancaster, South Carolina.

She is also lovingly remembered by her great-uncle, James Wright; her great-aunts, Janie Henderson, Christa Funderburk, and Esther Strain; her beloved nieces and nephews, Kendrick, Oksana, Demarien, MaLaiya, Amari, and Peyton; her special cousins, Tawana, Melodye, Yakema, Brandi, Shay, Shonie, Summer, Autumn, Karsha, Erin, Teresa, and Toi; along with a host of other cousins, relatives, dear friends, and loved ones. She also leaves behind her special friend, Dana Johnson, whose friendship meant so much to her.

Q’yaka was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Duane Omoro Lathan; her paternal grandparents, Arthur and Hattie Lathan; her maternal grandparents, Robert and Virgileen Brooks; and her aunt, Cynthia Cathcart.

Though her time with us was far too short, the love Q’yaka gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her beautiful spirit, compassionate heart, unwavering devotion to family and friends, and genuine concern for others will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, grace, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire everyone whose life she touched.

Q’yaka will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed. Though she is no longer with us, her light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched, and her memory will forever remain a treasured blessing.

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