Shawn Lamont Borders, a 43-year-old African American man, tragically lost his life on November 24, 2015, in Shelby, North Carolina. Shawn was born on March 23, 1972, to Gloria Ross Schenck and James E. Jefferies at Cleveland Memorial Hospital in Shelby. He was known for his deep faith and his commitment to his community, often offering his landscaping services free of charge to friends and family, especially the elderly. Shawn attended Burns High School and was baptized at the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is remembered as a loyal and fun-loving individual who could fill any room with laughter.
On the morning of November 24, 2015, Shawn Lamont Borders was found dead at his home in Shelby. The investigation revealed that he had been shot and killed by Quavis Jerome Clyde, a 36-year-old man who lived nearby. The incident occurred just two days before Thanksgiving, adding to the tragedy of the event. The following day, as police searched for Clyde, Candace Jane Cruz, an acquaintance, picked him up and took him to Lincolnton, subsequently lying to the police about his whereabouts.
The legal proceedings that followed saw Quavis Jerome Clyde being found guilty of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. After a three-day trial, Clyde was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of Shawn Lamont Borders. Candace Jane Cruz was also found guilty of aiding Clyde by helping him evade the police and providing false information to the authorities.
Shawn Lamont Borders' death left a significant impact on his community. He is survived by his father, J.E. Jefferies, his step-father, Johnny Schenck, his daughter, Kierra Leary, his sons, Devon Leary and DaShawn Hillman, and his grandchildren, April and Elijah. His funeral service was held on December 1, 2015, at Unity Independence Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at Sunset Cemetery. The community continues to remember Shawn for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he brought to those around him.
