Shabba, whose birth name is Stacy Ann Ellis, died Tuesday morning, April 18, at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, St Ann. She was taken there after she had become ill at the St Ann Infirmary which had become her home for the last two years. She was 41 years old, having been born August 1, 1975.
Relatives said Shabba or Shabooty had been ailing for some time and had been in and out of hospital. In the days before she died, she had lost weight and had become weak. Well-known and loved for her antics, dancing, dressing and straight-talking, Shabba was a popular street figure in Ocho Rios, St Ann until tragedy struck with the murder of her mother.
Her street presence was immense and even that fact that she had ambulatory or movement problems did not deter her from getting about or showing off dancing skills and staying on the streets at night. Many commented on her fashionable dress at times and some goaded or encouraged her to reveal secrets she claimed to have on some men of standing.
Life changed for her with the birth of her son in late 2013. When her mother, Nathlie Francis-Hamilton, a well known retired postmistress from Beecher Town, near Ocho Rios was slain at home, the blow was a double one for Shabba as her child was also abducted. Police reports had indicated that the entire break-in and murder was to abduct the then seven month old baby.
The baby was found safe just over 24 hours after the murder and abduction, in nearby Exchange. Mrs Francis Hamilton had been caring for the child as Shabba was said to be physically and mentally incapable of that task.
The child has since been adopted by a close family member.
The death seemed to affect Shabba badly and some said she became wayward. Family members could not keep her off the streets and the help of the infirmary was sought. There she lived with family support. A family member told the North Coast Times that they were “just delighted with the care she had at the infirmary.” The family is considering a fund or some form of support for the infirmary where Shabba related well to staff and other clients.
A woman is before the courts on a charge of abduction, relating to the baby. She is Dianna Pinnock, who was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment in another case of abduction of a baby, this time from St Mary
Shabba will be laid to rest following a funeral service Saturday, April 29 at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church, St Ann.
