We gather today to celebrate the life of our beloved Shytel Reginald Gaston, who God called home to rest on Sunday, December 25, 2022. He peacefully bid farewell to his family, friends, and this earthly journey. Shytel was born in Manhattan, New York, on August 20, 1969, the son of Lillie Bell Gaston and Charles R. Cooke.

Shytel attended P.S. 7 Elementary School, and upon graduation, he attended John S. Roberts J.H.S 45 Manhattan, New York. He was a 1987 Benjamin Franklin High School graduate in Manhattan, New York. He also attended American Barber Institute and received his Barber License in 1994. He was employed by Fish and Chix Restaurant as a cook in Chester, South Carolina.

Shytel was an only child who was affectionately loved by his mother, Lillie. She would give Him the world, and he loved her just as much. Shytel loved to dress in the finest of clothing. He was the first to rock Jerry curls and a shearing coat in the 80s and loved taking pictures.

Shytel was full of life and loved to laugh. Shytel made up for being the only child by making friends in Harlem and adopting them as his family. He loved music, watching comedy shows, and cooking. In 1992, he became a loving dad to three children: Muhammed, Unique, and Kashief. You could count on Shytel to take all the neighborhood children to the park and pick them up from school. He also loved traveling from New York to South Carolina, which he often did.

In 2010, Shytel migrated to the south to make a better life for himself, pursue his love of cooking, and be with the family he loved. Shytel believed in the Baptist faith and attended Morris Creek Church.

Shytel leaves to mourn and cherish fond memories: his loving and devoted mother, Lillie Belle Gaston; and his loving children, Muhammed Coleman, Unique Coleman, and Kashief Coleman; uncles, Pastor William (Mary) Abell of Chester, SC, Jeffery Abell of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Charles Hicks of Baltimore, MD; aunts, Shirley McClurkin, and Carolyn (Derrika) Martin; a longtime devoted friend, Nicole Coleman; God sister, Angela Washington; and a host of cousins, family, the Lexington Avenue family, and dear friends.