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
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
Wednesday June 11th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 11-11:30a Viewing 11:30-1p Service 2p Burial Woodlawn Cemetery Live Stream
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
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
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
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
Za'Kyla Sailee Knowles
7031791897 • September 18, 2023
Sunrise: April 29, 2023 ~ Sunset: September 12, 2023
Service
Friday
September 22, 2023
3:00p ~ 4:30p
Serenity Funeral Home
1140 Almond Tree Lane
In the briefest of moments, our lives were graced by the presence of a tiny but mighty
soul, Za’Kyla Sailee Knowles. Born on April 29, 2023, Za’Kyla brought a ray of
sunshine and boundless love into our world. Though she departed from our arms too
soon, we choose to remember her life not in sorrow but in celebration.
How very softly you tiptoed into our world, almost silently, only a moment you
stayed. But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon our hearts.
Za’Kyla may have been small, but her spirit shone brightly, filling our hearts with joy
and hope. Her giggles, her innocent gaze, and her first smiles warmed our souls and
brought endless happiness to all who knew her. In her brief time here, Za’Kyla touched
our lives in a way that words can hardly express.
While Za’Kyla’s time with us was too short, the love she brought into our lives will
endure forever. Her presence was a testament to the power of love, reminding us to
cherish every moment, no matter how fleeting, and to hold dear the precious souls that
bless our lives.
In this time of grieving, let us also remember the countless dreams and hopes we held for
Za’Kyla’s future. Though she may never have the chance to grow as we had wished, we
can honor her memory by cherishing the love and lessons she brought into our lives.
Za’Kyla leaves to celebrate her life, her mommy, Raina Slaughter Knowles; daddy,
Trevon Knowles; sister, Sy’Rai Knowles; grandmothers, Nicole Veal and Shenetta Vales
(John); grandfathers, Reginald Slaughter and Pierre Knowles; great-grandparents, Earline
and James Cade; and a host of loving relatives, family and friends across the country.
As we bid farewell to Za’Kyla let us do so with hearts full of love and gratitude for the
precious time we had with her. Za’Kyla may have left this world too soon, but her spirit
will forever shine as a beacon of love, reminding us to cherish the beauty of life.
Rest in peace, sweet baby girl. Your love will always be a part of us, and your memory
will continue to inspire and uplift us. May your soul find eternal peace and serenity in the
embrace of the heavens.
For brief and fleeting moment, an angel touched the ground;
With tiny wings and halo, and sweet, soft angel sounds.
Blessing the lives of others, in beauty and in grace;
Those who saw the angel, knew God had kissed his tiny face.
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
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
Wednesday June 11th, 2025 Serenity FH Chapel 11-11:30a Viewing 11:30-1p Service 2p Burial Woodlawn Cemetery Live Stream
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
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
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
Saturday Viewing May 17th 11-1p Serenity FH Chapel Live Stream Burial: Fairview Cemetery Gainsville, TX 76240
Service Saturday April 26, 2025 11a ~ 1p Serenity Funeral Home 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Friday April 25th 12-2p Serenity FH Chapel 1140 Almond Tree Lane Ste. 306 Las Vegas, NV 89104 Live Stream
