Za'Mari Elizabeth Spearman

Za’Mari Elizabeth Spearman, known affectionately as “Tootie,” was a vibrant light whose life was tragically cut short on April 16, 2026, in South Fulton, Georgia. Though she was only 25 years old, the depth of her character and the scale of her achievements left a legacy that will be felt for generations. She was a woman of undeniable intelligence, fierce loyalty, and a beauty that radiated from within. Born on October 29, 2000, in New Haven, Connecticut, Za’Mari was the cherished daughter of Shy'mar Avery and Robert Spearman. From the very beginning, she carried a special connection to her family, bearing the nickname "Tootie" in honor of her paternal grandmother. Growing up in her tight-knit family, she became everyone’s baby. After graduating from Hamden High School in 2018, Za’Mari set her sights on the future with a clear vision. She moved to Georgia to pursue her dreams, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University in 2022. Never one to settle, she continued her academic journey while balancing the demands of life and motherhood, ultimately achieving her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in 2025. And she was not finished. She was accepted into a Doctor of Business Administration program and set to begin classes this fall. She was a woman who valued knowledge, not just for herself, but as a foundation for the life she wanted to build for her family. Tootie brought light and love to any gathering. She had a wonderful, infectious zest for life that centered on the people she loved. She was a traveler at heart and a true foodie, always seeking out new experiences. She found beauty in the world around her, often surrounding herself with her favorite color, purple; a shade that perfectly matched her royal spirit and glowing personality. But more than anything, it was the company she kept that mattered most. She was a loyal friend, the kind who showed up when it mattered and loved without judgment. And then there was her voice; Tootie loved to sing. Whether she was perfectly on key or missing a note or two, she sang with confidence and joy that forced everyone around her to smile. She reminded us all that life isn't about being perfect; it’s about being present and being loud in your happiness. Za’Mari’s crowning achievement and her greatest love was her son, Harlem “Chubbs” Jones. As a mother, she was patient, fiercely protective, and deeply dedicated. Everything she did—every degree earned and every goal met—was fueled by her desire to give "Chubbs" the world. She was also a constant source of pride for her parents and a devoted granddaughter, maintaining deep, unbreakable ties to her family in New Haven even as she made her home in Powder Springs, Georgia. Za’Mari is survived by her beloved son, Harlem Jones; her devoted parents, Shy'mar Avery and Robert Spearman; Sisters: Alliyah Ellis of Hamden, CT and Rajah Spearman of New Haven, CT; Her maternal grandparents, Valricia and William Fluellen of Powder Springs, GA; Her paternal grandparents, Robert and Vanessa Santos of Hamden, CT; paternal grandmother, Frankie Elaine Spearman of New Haven, CT; paternal great-grandmother, Joan Hillums of New Haven, CT; Godmother, Shannon Nkrumah of Hamden, CT; God sister Lauren Brown of New Haven, CT. One aunt, Joni Harris(Kawon) of New Haven, CT; Uncles, Ronnie Cox, Jr. of Marietta, GA; Steven Spearman of New Haven, CT; Kenny Spearman of New Haven, CT; Carl Spearman (Andrea) of Meriden, CT; Shantai Willard of Houston, Tx, and a vast village of cousins who were lucky enough to be loved by her. Za’Mari was well-liked and had a demeanor that attracted people to her. She kept a tight circle who were more like her family: her best friend, Janay Butler along with Kenneth Bagley Jr., Marlayzia Crockett-McCoter, Izaiah Brockington and Infiniti Suggs were her trusted friends forever. Tootie was predeceased by her paternal grandmother Mildred Elizabeth “Tootie” Spearman and her maternal grandfather Andrew Dawson; maternal great-grandparents Carl Avery, Linnie Tipton Avery; Burnestine Campbell Dawson and William L. Dawson II; Paternal great-grandparents Isadore K. Santos, Lois C. Nance and Nathan Spearman, Sr. Though her time with us was far too brief, we find peace in the promise that Za’Mari has returned to the arms of her Creator. We trust in the words of Scripture that remind us, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." While our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the truth that she is now resting in eternal grace, free from the cares of this world and surrounded by the heavenly glory she so brightly reflected here on earth. Until we meet again in that place where there is no more sorrow or pain, we carry her spirit in our hearts, knowing that her light continues to shine in the presence of the Most High.

Za'Mari Elizabeth Spearman

October 29, 2000 - April 16, 2026