With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Roshawn Isaiah Saybert Gates, known to many as Shawn, a compassionate and dedicated soul who departed us on October 11, 2024. Born on January 1, 1995, in Elkhart, Indiana, Shawn lived a life full of love, laughter, and endless dedication. His joyous spirit was truly infectious, and his unwavering loyalty was felt by all who had the privilege to cross his path.
Shawn's life story is one of thoughtfulness and dedication. He was a celebrated barber in Indianapolis, where he resided for seven wonderful years. His thoughtful and precise touch brought comfort and confidence to his clients, as he helped them not only look their best but feel their best, too. Shawn was known for his artistic talent commitment to his profession, and his heart of gold. His dedication to his craft was only surpassed by his commitment to his loved ones.
Shawn’s love story with his wife, Danyielle Gates, began on December 21, 2012. They engaged on Christmas Eve of 2019 and tied the knot on August 7, 2021. His deep and enduring love for Danyielle was evident in the way he looked at her, the way he spoke to her, and the way he cherished her.
His memory lives on through his beloved wife, Danyielle Gates, his loving mother, Roshonda Gates, and his fathers, Artanada White and Aaron Galloway. Shawn’s extended family includes his grandmothers, Margarett Galloway and Will Ethel White, his grandfather, Francis Reid, and his special cousin-sister, Tiara Malone. His aunts and uncles include Darcell Galloway, Carmen Gates, and Marvin Gates, all of Elkhart, Lenester Williams Jr. of Elkhart, and Curtis L. Williams of Chicago.
Shawn was devoted to his mother, Roshonda Gates, with whom he shared a close and loving bond, speaking to her daily. His mother’s fiancé, Genaro Howard, and his deceased grandparents, Myrtis Gates, Napoleon Haliburton, and Minnie Arnold also remembered him.
Shawn’s cherished siblings are Shaquann of Atlanta, Georgia; Audrayna, Taylor, Riley, Andrea, and Andrew, all of South Bend, Indiana; Terrence D. White of Elkhart, Artanada A. White of Indianapolis, Artisha A. White of Elkhart, Adrian A. White of Elkhart, Antonesia Moore of Elkhart, Sydeia D. White of Indianapolis, and Nadia J. White of South Bend. Shawn had a particularly deep and special bond with his brother, Dhantori Honorable, who was not just his sibling but his closest confidant and best friend. Their relationship was one of unbreakable brotherhood, built on trust, loyalty, and unwavering support.
Shawn held a special place in the hearts of his friends and cousins, including Damionna, Sonyae, and Syonn, who cherished every moment spent with him. Known afectionately as a “Granny’s Boy,” he had a special bond with his grandmother, Margarett Galloway, always sitting right next to her every time he visited. He also shared his life with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends, including his best friend, Jaylen Nichols.
As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Shawn truly embodied this sentiment, leaving a lasting impact on all those he encountered.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Roshawn Isaiah Saybert Gates, please visit our floral store.