Zaahir Ramik Ellis

Zaahir Ramik Ellis, affectionately known as "Zaati" and "ZaaZaa," was born on July 21, 2009, in Philadelphia, PA, to Tamika Ellis and Gregory Shorter, Jr. From the very beginning, Zaahir brought light, laughter, and boundless curiosity into the world. With his bright smile and a mind full of wonder, he was always eager to learn how things worked—and determined to figure them out on his own.
Zaahir began his early education at Brightside Academy before moving on to Duckery Elementary School. He graduated from 8th grade and continued his education at Randolph Skills Center and Jules E.
Mastbaum High School, where he majored in Automotive Technology to pursue his passion for working on cars. Despite facing challenges in school, Zaahir persevered. Through hard work and determination, he successfully advanced to the 11th grade, as he attended Commonwealth Charter Academy.
Outside of the classroom, Zaahir's joy was found in simple pleasures-playing basketball on the block with younger kids, skating at the Philly Skate Plex, fixing bikes, and exploring his creativity through music.
Recently, he had begun writing rap lyrics and visiting the recording studio. Above all, Zaahir cherished time with his friends and his beloved little sister, Promise. Being a big brother brought him pride and joy, whether they were making TikTok videos, dancing, or just laughing together. Zaahir truly loved his mother and sisters, spending time together, making memories. One of his favorite memories with his mom and sister was their trip to Fort Lauderdale and Universal Studios. Though he playfully chickened out of riding "The Rocket" roller coaster, he loved it simply because it was red—his favorite color.
Zaahir was everyone's baby. He made lasting memories traveling with family-summers in Williamsburg, VA, with Uncle Will and Aunt Kim; hiking and visiting relatives in Lumberton, NC, with Aunt Tasha ("Tah-Tah"); and enjoying family cookouts and block parties. He also loved attending church with his aunts, where he was known for his curiosity about God and his eagerness to engage with others. One of his favorite songs was "Break Every Chain" by Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, which he would sing with heartfelt passion whenever he heard it.
Zaahir leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Tamika Ellis; father, Gregory Shorter, Jr.; sisters, Anastasia Ellis and Promise Shorter; stepdad, Malik; grandparents Leonard "PopPop" Hook, Carolyn
"Gmom" Hook, Carolyn Ramsey, and Gregory Shorter, Sr.; aunts Kim Jones (Willie), Stephanie Adams, Renee Adams, Tasha Ellis, Mia Hill (Garrett), Star Norris, Hishine Ramsey, Crystal Poole, Tyesha McLaughlin, Aliyah Richey, and Isir Porter-Brown; uncles Ronald Ellis, Kirk Ellis, Troy Adams, Juan Thomas, Raymond Shorter, and Cordreo Shorter; godmother Rhonda Cooper; and a host of cousins, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ruby D. Ellis and Herbert Adams and cousin, Dominique Gibson.
Zaahir's laughter, kindness, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Though his time on earth was far too short, the light he brought into the world will never fade.