November 11, 2025
Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
By 7031791897 July 17, 2025
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
By 7031791897 July 3, 2025
By 7031791897 June 19, 2025
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 14, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 14, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 6, 2025
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
By 7031791897 April 26, 2025
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By 7031791897 April 25, 2025
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
By 7031791897 April 22, 2025
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
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Estella Terry

7031791897 • January 16, 2019

Sunrise: December 31, 1928 Sunset: December 22, 2018

To my Family, Friends this story is written by Estella V. Terry on one Saturday morning at 7:30 am. "Poope you will have to have any sisters help finish this because I am too full.

Estella V. The Child grew up on 3543 So. Prairie Ave. alongside the Howard Family and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Estella had a deep love of Jesus Christ because Dollie & Willie kept all their children close t o their savior Jesus Christ. At the age of 9yrs old Estella was baptized under the leadership of Reverend William Bailey Sr. she joined the First Gideon Baptist Church in Chicago, IL.

Estella V. The Student
attended Raymond Grammar School of Windells Phillips High School.

Estella V. The Young Woman
met Johnnye Jr. Henry D, Terry's brother who introduced the two. Henry and Estella both hit off. Estella went to the show with the brothers to see a John Wayne movie. The name of the movie was "the High and Mighty" and John Wayne made a personal appearance.

Afterword, the dating continued, quick trips to Jew town to eat delicious polishes and pork sandwiches. Henry and Estella would attend weekend card games at the Uncle Calvin's house and the Ross's fell in love with Estella. Their special courtship led to marriage in 1955.

Estella V. The Wife
and husband moved to 79th and Eberhart and lived with her sister and brother in law, Monroe and Ida Jackson. In 1958, Ida Mae and Estella were both pregnant at the same times. Estella and Henry's only child Henry D. Terry Jr. was born on September 22, 1958. Dollie Mae named Henry Poope, however, his grandfather called him Purch, his grandmother called him Poochie Boy and Stella affectionately called him Poope. This special only child was loved everyday of his life and his mother dressed him in the finest of clothes that money could buy. Estella wrapped her child in unconditional remarkable love. Which resonated and developed one of the most loving men God has working for him on earth.

The best Cooks out of them Howard girls was Willa Mae & Estella V. The best pound cakes, salmon croquet's, deep fried shrimps, greens extraordinaire, cabbage, chicken, string beans and cornbread.

Estella The Worker
Estella started working at the age of 16 years old and didn't stop until her retirement. She first worked as a supervisor for four years at Neisners 5 & 10 store located at 47th Calumet. Then Western Electric for 9 years. Estella worked two jobs at many intervals in her career. Estella worked at the United States Postal Worker and for the Chicago Police Department as a dispatcher for many years. Finally, Estella decided to take care of children by running The Burn Unit at Cook County Hospital until retirement.

Estella V. The Mother
cared for her beloved son. As a child I was very sick and practically no immune system as a result of Asthma. My mother carried me to hospitals back and forth for many years, one day at a time. I remember numerous trips to Dr. Thomkins office on 63rd and Marylands and then 75th and Dr, Martin Luther King Drive. Then we would go to Barbara Jeans and Madison House to enjoy the family times with my cousin Alicia. Or we would take 76th street to Lucy and Freddie's house, we would even stop by Mr. and Mrs. Jacksons house because we had family all over the south side of Chicago. My mother would drive me to Evergreen Plaza where the owner of Mr. Lees Men's Clothing s would fit me into tailor made suites from the ages of eight years old until I was a teenager. My mother introduce me into the Drive In Theatre on 74th Street behind Zayres. My mother taught me manners. My mother paid for a private school at Sacred Heart for eight years. My mother taught me along with my Grandmother Dollie and Willie the responsibility it was to live in the Big House at 6839 Aberdeen. we were the second Black Family on the block. My memories of my Mother are inundated with Love, Block Parties, twenty trips to OK's Store across the street, The BEST Neighbor Experience a child or teenager could imagine. My Mother saved lives sitting in her second floor window watching ,praying, and shouting out the window to Alonzo, Bobby, Robert Lee, The Reeds, The Langrones, Mary Myrick, the Humphries and on and on.

Estella The Grandmother
Estella was the grandma of four. Tryrell Michael, Ryan Leslie, Katelynn Virginia and Henry David III whom she loved dearly. Her joy and happiness gleamed as a result of her grandchildren. No mother loved their children as hard as she loved me. Her health challenge never removed her memory of the four wonderful grandchildren of hers. My mother went to higher level of appreciation when she became a great grandmother to Zaryon, Tryell Jr. (Butterball). Zachary, Zara and out latest addition Zeda.

Henry The son & Caretaker Message to every son who has the privilege of taking care of your mother in the winter of their life. Your reasonable service is to c are, feed, hug, embrace, spend quality time, and supply any need your mother may have. I want every ear that can hear and every eye that can see to know that my wife never complained, refused, or measured what I did or spent on my mother's needs. I supplemented myself to her well being because I had found my niche in life and my family was comfortable with my compromise. My mother for 60 years was the attached angel, confidant, precious friend and grandmother to my children. Mother to my very soul that God created because she was wonderfully made in His image is very reason our hearts connected so. The maker of the heart is God Shella and Poope are separated for a minute, her heart needs to be with her maker alongside the two hearts she missed the most....Dollie and Willie! See YA! Poochie Man

November 11, 2025
Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 LV, NV 89104 Services: Friday November 14th, 2025 9-11a Burial to Follow 12p Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Boulder City, NV 89005 "Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true, Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary. Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting. In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with “house hunting” and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means. Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described “Workaholic” who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows—and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it, "anything with dirt"). Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from. Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind. We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us. ~Jessica Shimoda Guerra Kaori's Daughter
By 7031791897 July 17, 2025
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF Michael Michael Francis was born on April 03, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, to William and Sydney Francis whom proceeded him in death. He grew up with his siblings, Terry Francis, and Edward Griffin Jr., in a loving and supportive family. Michael attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where he excelled in academics, and later graduated in 1983. Michael later joined the Army in 1990, where he received his Army Service Ribbon, a Marksman Badge specializing in rifle marksmanship, and lastly receiving his Sharpshooter certification badge. Michael later moved to Santa Maria with Sydney and William, where he met and married Marilyn DeWitt in, who preceded him in death. To their union, they had one son, Milton Michael Francis, and two step-sons, Rudy and Romeo. Romeo, who also preceded him in death. Legacy and Remembrance Michael's life was marked by love, joy, and a spirit of service. He was a devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and loving husband. His radiant smile and positive energy left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Michael's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a commitment to making people smile wherever he went. Michael is survived by his son, Milton Michael Francis, and siblings, Terry Francis, Edward Griffin Jr., and Edith Gillette, and many extended family members and friends. His memory will be cherished forever. Acknowledgments The Francis family extends their deepest gratitude for the support, prayers, and love during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion provide great comfort. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul." 一 Psalm 23:1-3
By 7031791897 July 3, 2025
By 7031791897 June 19, 2025
Friday June 20th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing & Service 11:30-1:30p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 14, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 14, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025 Serenity Funeral Home Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Viewing 11-12:30p Service 12:30-4p Live Stream
By 7031791897 May 6, 2025
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
By 7031791897 April 26, 2025
Live Stream
By 7031791897 April 25, 2025
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
By 7031791897 April 22, 2025
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
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