Obituary of Keyva Racquel SHORTER (nee Herious)

July 12, 1977 – Nassau, Bahamas
December 23, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Keyva Shorter, beloved wife of Xavier Anthony Shorter of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019 at the age of 42 years.

On July 12, 1977 on the sunny island of Nassau, Bahamas, a beautiful baby girl was born to the proud parentage of Alecia Josey-Herious and Kenneth Herious Jr.  She was given the name Keyva Racquel.

As Keyva blossomed she was the epitome of beauty and brains.  She could be best described as a ‘Desert Rose’; strong, unwavering, yet beautiful and graceful.  She was determined to succeed; first the accomplishment of her Bachelor’s Degree at Florida Memorial University, then onto a full scholarship to Alabama State University to pursue her Master’s in Accounting. While in Alabama, she met her soul mate Xavier Shorter who was a fellow Master student. Together, they achieved their Master’s degrees and their CPA Certifications, and she was immediately employed by KPMG Atlanta. They became united for life in Holy Matrimony in Atlanta, Georgia on October 15, 2005. They lived in Atlanta for eight years, during this time they produced two lovely daughters, Peyton Alecia and Sydney Rose. They then immigrated to Calgary, AB in August 2012 upon her being employed by Brookfield Johnson Controls.  

Keyva was a ‘Goal Setter’ and achieved many of them. She loved to travel and experience different cultures. She enjoyed outdoor activities, exercising and social gatherings.  She was always ready to offer honest and unbiased advice.  Keyva had an aura that would  light up anything she touched.  She would leave a memorable impression with whomever she came in contact with.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Xavier Anthony Shorter; two daughters, Peyton Alecia and Sydney Rose; her mother Alecia Josey; two sisters, Kenva and Whitney; five brothers, Nicholas, Marc, Kenneth III, Khalin and Deon; grandfather Kenneth Sr.; ten aunts, eight uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at Southview Alliance Church (20200 Walden Blvd S.E., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Church. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Keyva’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Keyva Shorter. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.