Madina Cherif's Obituary
Madina Esther Cherif Shatsha, age 57, of Huntersville died September 3, 2023 at her home. She was born on March 8, 1966 in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Mariam Thiam and the late Tibou Cherif Haidara.
Mama Esther had 5 children, 3 daughters, Aissatou Sangare, Glory Shatsha, and Joy Shatsha; and 2 sons, Jeremy Shatsha and Joshua Shatsha, all of Charlotte.
At the age of 16 she worked at the American Embassy in Guienua. Then she fled to Sierra Leon where she met Christ and received him as her lord and savior. She then started traveling around the world as a missionary professing Christ for whom she forsake everything.
When she arrived in America she first worked as a nanny for a Jewish family. Then worked as a contractor for the world bank in Washington D.C. In 2000 she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked at the First Union Bank headquarters on Harris Bulvard as an admistrivate assistant. Mama Esther also served as church secterary at Mont Carmel Church of God. Another big part of mama esther minstry in the french community was to work as an interpreter translating live sermons from french to english and vice versa. She finally embraced her dream to becoming an entrupner who owned Joys Beauty Supply and Fashion Store located in Cornelius. A profession that allowed her to minster on a one on one level where she touched many lives, but also formed lifelong relationships. In her last years since 2008 to 2023, she made Grace Covenant her home church and family where she found Joy serving in the prayer and welcome team.
Visitation will be 6-9 PM Friday, September 8 at James Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, September 9 at Grace Covenant Church. Visitation will be 1-2 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery. The service will be live streamed at https://live.gracecovenant.org
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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