Tierra was more than a daughter. She was a light, a joy, and a beautiful soul whose presence filled the hearts of those around her with love. Though her time here was shorter than anyone could have imagined, her legacy continues to live on through Tierra’s Butterflies.
Tierra’s Butterflies.
Tierra Hamer- Biography
Tierra Hamer was a beautiful soul. Born in Charleston South Carolina on September 8, 2001. Tierra was known for her brilliant mind, champion of many spelling bees. She made it to National level. Straight A student. She was so determined to be the absolute version of herself. Her life and legacy continue to inspire hope, compassion, and
transformation. Though her time on earth was brief, the impact of her life lives on through the countless people who are touched by her story.
Tierra was the beloved daughter of Dr. Shanequa N. Scott, founder and chancellor of Ascend Christian University, Ascend Academy Online High School, Tierra’s Butterflies, Ascend Youth and Adult GED Program, Broken Hearts Made Whole and Legacy Builders. Tierra’s spirit was marked by love, kindness, and a light that drew people toward her. She possessed a vibrant heart and a powerful presence that continues to inspire those who knew her and even those who only heard her story.
After Tierra’s passing, Dr. Scott transformed unimaginable grief into purpose by creating Tierra’s Butterflies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting communities, powering students, and providing scholarships in Tierra’s honor. The butterfly symbolizes transformation, resilience, and beauty that can emerge from life’s most
difficult moments.
Through Tierra’s legacy, scholarships are awarded, lives are changed, and hope is restored to students and families who need it most. Her memory continues to serve as a reminder that even in loss, love can create something powerful that impacts generations.
Today, Tierra’s legacy lives on through the mission of education, compassion, and community empowerment, ensuring that her story continues to inspire others to rise, transform, and spread their wings just like a butterfly.
Make a Difference Today
Your support allows Tierra’s story to continue inspiring the world.
When you give, you are not just donating to a nonprofit;
You are helping a mother turn grief into purpose.
You are helping students rise above their circumstances.
You are helping hope spread its wings.
And you are helping Tierra’s wings continue to fly.
Every time a student receives a scholarship...Every time a young person finds hope again…Every time a life is uplifted…Another butterfly takes flights in Tierra’s honor.
But this mission cannot continue without the support of people who believe in making a difference.
Your donation helps ensure that Tierra’s legacy continues to change lives for generations to come.
Through Tierra’s Butterflies, Tierra’s legacy now provides:
• Scholarships for students pursuing their dreams
• Support for families facing hardship
• Community empowerment initiatives
• Opportunities for young people who simply need someone to believe in them
Help Tierra’s Wings Continue to Fly
Some stories change lives forever. Tierra’s story is one of them.
Memorial Story
The Heart Behind Tierra’s Butterflies
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There are moments in life that change us forever.
For Dr. Shanequa N. Scott, that moment came when she lost her daughter, Tierra.
No parent ever expects to experience the pain of losing a child. It is grief that words cannot fully describe, the kind that changes your heart forever. But even in that pain, Dr. Scott decided. She would not allow Tierra’s story to end in tragedy. She would allow it to become a legacy of hope.
Tierra was known for her beautiful spirit and loving heart. She had the kind of energy that made people smile, laugh, and feel cared for. Her presence was a reminder that kindness matters and that even small acts of love can leave lasting footprints on someone’s life.
After her passing, Dr. Scott searched for a way to honor her daughter in a way that would reflect the love Tierra gave to the world. That search became Tierra’s Butterflies. This organization was created so that Tierra’s life would continue to make a difference helping students pursue their dreams, supporting families in need, and reminding people that even through loss, something beautiful can still grow.
Every donation helps carry Tierra’s story forward. Every scholarship creates opportunity. Every life touched keeps her memory alive. When you support Tierra’s Butterflies, you are not just giving to a nonprofit. You are helping a mother turn heartbreak into hope & you are helping Tierra’s wings continue to fly.
The Legacy of Tierra
Some lives are so powerful that their impact continues long after they are gone. Tierra was one of those lives.
She was the beloved daughter of Dr. Shanequa N. Scott, a young woman whose spirit radiated love, warmth, and light. Tierra had a beautiful soul that touched everyone who knew her. Her presence carried joy, compassion, and energy that made people feel seen, valued, and loved.
When Tierra transitioned, Dr. Scott faced the unimaginable pain of losing a piece of her heart. But from that deep grief came a powerful purpose. Instead of allowing tragedy to silence her daughter’s memory, Dr. Scott chose to create something that would allow Tierra’s light to continue shining in the world.
That vision became Tierra’s Butterflies. The butterfly symbolizes transformation — the ability to rise, evolve, and become something beautiful even after life’s most painful moments. Just like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, Tierra’s story reminds us that love never dies. It transforms. Today, Tierra’s Butterflies carries forward her legacy by providing scholarships, uplifting communities, supporting students, and inspiring hope for those who need it most.
Tierra’s Butterflies Scholarship Dedication
In Loving Memory of Tierra
The Tierra’s Butterflies Scholarship was established in loving memory of Tierra, the beloved daughter of Dr. Shanequa N. Scott. Tierra’s life was filled with light, love, and a spirit that touched everyone around her. Though her time here was shorter than anyone could have imagined, her legacy continues to inspire hope and opportunity for others.
This scholarship represents the belief that every student deserves the chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Each recipient of the Tierra’s Butterflies Scholarship carries forward a piece of Tierra’s legacy spreading kindness, determination, and compassion into the world.
Through education, empowerment, and community support, Tierra’s memory lives on in every life that is uplifted through this program. Like a butterfly, her spirit reminds us that even after the most painful storms, transformation and beauty are still possible. Her wings continue to fly through every student whose future is made brighter through this scholarship.
A Letter from a Mother’s Heart
From Dr. Shanequa N. Scott
There are moments in life that change you forever. For me, that moment came when I lost my daughter, Tierra.
No words can fully describe the pain a mother feels when a piece of her heart is no longer here. Tierra was not just my daughter, she was my joy, my light, and one of the greatest gifts God ever gave me. She had the kind of spirit that made people smile. Her heart was full of love, kindness, and compassion for others. Tierra had a beautiful way of making people feel important and seen. She was truly a light in this world.
When Tierra transitioned, my heart was shattered in ways I never imagined possible. I asked God many questions through tears that only a grieving mother understands. But during that pain, something began to grow inside of me. A purpose. I knew Tierra’s life could not end in silence. Her story deserved to continue touching lives. That is why I created Tierra’s Butterflies.
The butterfly represents transformation into the ability to become something beautiful even after the most painful moments in life. Just like a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, I chose to transform my grief into a mission of hope. Through Tierra’s Butterflies, my daughter’s legacy now lives on by helping students pursue education, uplifting families in need, and reminding people that even in the darkest seasons, something beautiful can still grow.
Every scholarship we give…Every student we help…Every life that is changed…is another butterfly flying in Tierra’s honor. I often imagine Tierra smiling knowing that her story is still bringing hope to the world. But we cannot continue this mission alone.
Your support allows us to continue helping students, empowering communities, and keeping Tierra’s legacy alive. When you donate to Tierra’s Butterflies, you are doing more than supporting a nonprofit. You are helping a mother turn heartbreak into hope. You are helping students believe in their future. And you are helping my daughter’s wings continue to fly. From the deepest place in my heart, thank you for being part of Tierra’s legacy.
With love and gratitude,
Dr. Shanequa N. Scott
Founder, Tierra’s Butterflies