Taiyanna Leon Shequan Mccullen

On May 10, 1996, Taiyanna Leigh began life as, Terez Leon Shequan McCullen born to Teresa McCullen of Stamford, CT and JoeNathan Mayberry of Gaffney, SC.

Affectionately known as Taiy or Yanna Leigh, Taiyanna grew up in Stamford and attended Stamford Public Schools. As a child Taiy was always witty, intelligent, fashionable, and fun to be around. Known to be the life of the party, she loved to choregraph dance routines and practice with her friends. Growing up there was always a special attraction that drew others to Taiy. Although initially shy, she had a talent for just embracing people and her silly personality helped others smile and get through whatever they may have been going through. After graduating from Stamford Academy, Taiy finally was able to embrace her identity, and this is when our humble and funny caterpillar broke free to a beautiful butterfly! More than her beauty, it is her smile that was Amazing. She could light up any room and she had an infectious laugh that made you smile when she smiled. You just couldn’t be down when Taiyanna Leigh was around!

Being a part of a community that is often judged and misunderstood, Taiy continued to strive for greatness. She embraced the good and the bad in life and was learning to navigate through keeping the happiness that she brought to so many others. Searching for acceptance in a world of ridicule is hard but our butterfly continued to soar.

Surrounded by the love of God, her Grandmother Queen (who she deeply loved), Mother, sisters, family, and close friends was a driving force that continued to push her to obtain her dreams. Those dreams were becoming a reality under her stage name KARMA, performing in dance shows, recording music, and living her life unapologetically under her own terms.

Taiyanna leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother Teresa “China” McCullen, father JoeNathan “Joe Cool” Mayberry; predeceased by her Maternal Grandparents Queen Elizabeth McCullen & Larry Dawkins; Paternal Grandmother Plookie Mayberry; sisters Aiyanna Foster, Tatianna Nelson; paternal brothers and sisters; Aunts Odessa McCullen, Cynthia Dawkins, Vanessa Dawkins, Ronchetta Dawkins; Godparents Tamika & Terry Wash. A host of cousins, special friends Autumn Corley, Justice McKnight, and many more friends that are more like family that love her.

“One thing I absolutely love and adore about myself is, no matter how bad I’ve been treated, no matter how I’m feeling, no matter what I’m going through, I still have a heart of gold and endless love to give. That’s one thing no one can ever take from me.”

Terez-Taiyanna Leigh - KARMALord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”.