Samone Shawnte Gochett

Our loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 7, 2023, after a courageous seven-year battle with kidney failure. Age 42 years. Samone was born on March 7, 1981, daughter of Sharon (Johnson) Smith and James Gochett, in Saginaw. She was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1999 and had been employed with McDonald’s with many years of dedicated service. She later became a lunch aide at Houghton Elementary School, where she was affectionately known by the kids as “Miss Samone.” She was an active member of Word of Faith International Ministries. Though she had a kind and generous heart, she wasn’t scared to tell it like it was, “to know Samone, was to love Samone.” She had a love for food, cooking, music, and good conversation. You could always count on her for a hot plate or a nice long phone call. She enjoyed eating delicious food and watching old television sitcoms, especially Little House on the Prairie. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, “Pooka” and her four children.

Samone’s outgoing nature and sweet presence will truly be missed by parents, Sharon (Richard) Smith and James (Annie) Gochett; grandmother, Kate Alexander; children, Armari Faniel, Antanasja Battle, Christopher Givhan and Sahmera Givhan; granddaughter, Ariyae Lyles; sisters, Tiffaney Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Latonya Johnson, Tamica Gochett, Jammie Green, Trenika Nowell, and Trina Smith; brothers, Willie Branch, Andre Beverly, Germain Helton and Richard Smith, III; her special nephew, Colanders King; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other special relatives and friends. Samone was predeceased by her grandparents, Henry Alexander and Douglas and Gloria Johnson; granddaughter, Skylar Faniel and brothers, Antwuan Helton and William Beverly, II; and her Aunt, Monica Sangster.

Samone’s family would like to express their appreciation to Mary and Charneka Helton, the Faniel family, Dr. Osama, Dr. Nader, Felicia Alexander, Laterrika Simms and Freeman Battle for their love and exceptional care for her.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Word of Faith International Ministries, 500 N. Washington Avenue. Dr. Byron C. (Chester Mae) Hayes and Elder Arthur L. Aikin will officiate with burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.