It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we share the passing of Naja Jinnae White, who departed this life on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the young age of 28.
Naja was born on January 3, 1998 at Buffalo Children's Hospital, where her parents, Sharon D. Tell of Dunkirk and Demetrius Haynes of Buffalo welcomed their baby girl. Naja was such a sweet baby. With the biggest smile that mirrored her mother's face (she was definitely her mother's twin), Naja made her parents proud to show the world their beautiful baby girl.
Naja was raised in Buffalo but shared many childhood memories in her family's hometown of Dunkirk. Naja and her cousins would spend many holidays together at their grandparents' home where they all enjoyed their grandmother's delicious cooking. Naja was a kind and gentle soul who had an infectious laugh and always gave you an "AWWWW" in her presence.
Even though Naja was naturally shy, her warmth and sweet spirit shined through in every interaction. Family meant everything to Naja. She shared a special bond with her sister Dejahnae and cousin Precious, calling themselves "The Triangle," as they were always together. She especially enjoyed being an aunt to her nephew Jayden, a role she held close to her heart.
Naja attended and graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical High School and later graduated from Bryant and Stratton College, where she earned her Associate's degree in medical administration. On June 13, 2025, Naja earned her second Associate's degree in paralegal studies. She was the first award winner for the SheRose scholarship.
Naja was always a hard worker. She had experience in many fields, and always excelled in the roles she was in, especially when it came to helping others. Naja enjoyed her time with the Girls Scouts Organization and the Boys and Girls Club. Naja was associated and lead many meaningful organizations, such as CEO of Keeping the Peace, a Team Of H.O.P.E. (Helping Out People Everywhere), Big Brother Big Sister, Buffalo SNUG, Peace Print, TIP (Teen in Progress), Mothers Against Violence, Sisterhood Circle, Buffalo Prenatal CAP C, PHP, Pine Harbor Event Committee Member, Brown & Crowned Sisterhood, Friendship, Back To Basics Outreach Ministries, the City of Buffalo Board of Block Club, and many many more.
Naja leaves behind a family who loves her deeply, including her mother, Sharon D. Tell; her father, Demetrius Haynes; her siblings, Nahshaun (Krisha) White, Dejahnae Haynes and DeMarcus Tillis; her nephews, Jayden and Isaiah; niece, Aaliyah; grandmothers, Betty (Willie) R. Tell and Bernice Haynes; aunts, Rosalind (Robert) Tell, Debra Tell, Regina Tell, Ina Tell, Shirley Jessie, Jennifer Haynes and Christine Dupra; uncles, Jamie (Kizzy) Tell, Rodney Miles and Courtney Haynes; cousins, Shaquandra, Dayquan, Shiquan, Najee (Elaine), Kadijah, Shimire, Vincent, Precious, Tywon, A'marion, K'vion, Jayme, Candice, Carrissa (Lucus), Jordan, Jasimine, Jackie, A'mirah, A'eron, Najee Jr., Lennox, Ky'ree, Sol, Amelia, Liam and Mason; and also leaves special loved ones, Mary Carboni, Jermaine Joyner, Marcus Tillis, Patricia and Sharon Cavilars, and Philip Collier. Naja shared her life with her significant other, Tyrone Lee "Tye" Bolden, who shared meaningful moments in her life. Naja and Tye both resided together, raising their precious dog, Charlie. Naja was preceded in death by her grandfather, Willie James Tell, Sr.; uncle, Billy Pittman, Sr.; special friend, Gabriel Texidor; and best friend, Rayshianna.
Naja's soft childlike voice and warm smile will be missed beyond words, but her love will remain with us always.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 PM at Greater Works Deliverance Fellowship, 425 Goodyear Avenue in Buffalo, where a funeral will follow at 2:00 PM.
Arrangements are being handled by the Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, 995 Genesee Street in Buffalo.
