Zakee Shelton

Zakee Amir Shelton was born July 30 2001 to Patrick Shelton and Latonya Allen-Shelton in Wilmington, Delaware. He was the youngest of 3 where he developed his great personality, smile, charm, and his great athleticism. After all, fighting with his older brother and sister, he had to be able to stay in the match. Zakee had many nicknames, most commonly Zy, but he also was called Man-Man, Boki, and Buda by his family.

He spent his early days in Darby, PA, where he attended Bell Avenue, Ardmore, and Walnut Elementary. He relocated to Phoenix where he stayed with Patrick and SherReese (Bonus Mom) and attended Legacy Traditional School in Laveen, AZ, followed by Kings Ridge Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, AZ and ultimately Betty Fairfax High School in Laveen AZ where he graduated with the class of 2019 and his one true love, Gabriella Murray.

At an early age, Zakee found his love for basketball, dribbling through the house day and night. He played in a P.A.L. (Police Athletic League) in Yeadon, PA and continued his love in Arizona playing for the West Valley Warriors, both Platinum and Elite (AAU) followed by the Betty Fairfax Stampede where he lettered on the Men's Varsity team. While playing for his high school team, he was named the Offensive MVP for the 2018-2019 season. In addition to basketball, Zakee loved watching boxing with the family. Recently, he began to train as a boxer.

Zakee leaves behind a mother, Latonya Allen-Shelton, father Patrick and bonus mom SherReese Shelton, older brother Corey Allen, and older sister Dejanee Shelton. He also leaves behind maternal grandparents Cheryl and Matthew Allen, Sr., paternal grandparents Cynthia and Gary Ford, Sr., 3 ungles, Gary Ford, Jr. and Matthew Allen Jr., and their wives Debbie Ford and Latanya Allen, and a niece Aziya Allen (who called him Uncle Z Money). Zy also leaves bhind an Uncle Kenneth Owens and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service was held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.