Shalitha Monique Dukes was born on October 13, 1980 to the union of Clarence E. and Annie C. Dukes in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Shalitha attended East St. Louis Senior High School and then furthered her education at Southwestern Illinois College.

Early in life, she confessed a hope in Christ at Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Shalitha loved to travel, hang out with friends and family. She was very fond of her nephews and nieces. If her siblings would call, Shalitha would catch a plane, train, or bus as if it was local to be with her family.

Very spirited, kind and loving and would help anyone, she would also pray for you. Shalitha had a great sense of humor, loved laughing and a beautiful smile. During her work tenure, she found employment with South County Rehab Center.

Shalitha departed this life on Monday, February 20, 2017 in Belleville, Illinois. She leaves to cherish her memory her brothers, Curtis (Loretta) Dukes, and Chris (Abigail) Dukes; sister, Benita Dukes; grandmother, Dorothy Switzer; nephews, Demarrion Crockett, Chris Dukes, Cameron Dukes, Rico Bullock, Robert Bullock, Romeo Dukes, DeVante Dukes and Iris Dukes; nieces, Marrianna Crockett, Serah Dukes and Shaunta Bullock; companion, Courtney Thomas; best friend, Natalie Smith; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.