Dr. Carita J. Curry, Founder/CEO
As the founder of One Shot Memorial (OSM), Carita is driven by one powerful mission: to honor her son's legacy by helping others live with purpose and eternal perspective. Through OSM, she challenges people to rethink how they approach death by transforming how they live each day—embracing the abundant life found in Jesus Christ and making every moment count.
A devoted follower of Christ, Carita is an accomplished speaker, writer, and educator with a doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University. She is passionate about equipping individuals and organizations to live intentionally, lead faithfully, and leave a lasting legacy.
Her message is simple: "With this life, you only get one shot. Every text, every call, every conversation, every day—make it count."
LaNita Downs, Director of Development
LaNita is an accomplished entrepreneur and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience in business ownership, strategic growth, and organizational leadership. As the owner of multiple successful companies, she brings extensive expertise in business development, marketing, and partnership building.
At One Shot, LaNita helps advance the organization's mission by cultivating strategic partnerships, securing grants, and developing relationships that expand the ministry's reach and impact.
As Benali Jr.'s aunt, LaNita is personally invested in honoring his legacy. Her passion for service, leadership, and advancing One Shot's mission reflects her commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Cruz Figueroa, Director of Community Engagement
A devoted wife and mother of five, Cruz embraced life as a stay-at-home mom after retiring from the oil and gas industry. She is passionate about serving others and strives to live by Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Cruz's connection to One Shot Memorial began on the day of Benali Jr.'s accident. Prompted by her faith to stop and help, she remained by his side, praying over him and offering comfort until more help arrived. That act of obedience became the beginning of a lasting relationship with the family and a meaningful part of the ministry's story.
Today, as Director of Community Engagement, Cruz is dedicated to building authentic relationships, serving others with compassion, and helping advance One Shot's mission. She loves Jesus, coffee, and people, and her prayer is that, in all she does, others will see Him.
Team Work Makes the Dream Work
One Shot is growing at a fast pace and we could not do what we do without our support system!
Meet the other hands and feet of our organization.
Social Media TEam
India Curry, Nyla Curry, Jason Loyd, Saadia Marshall, Yazmine Marshall
Prayer Ministry
Carita Curry, Leslie Creekmur, LaNita Downs, Teresa Tucker
Public Relations
Leslie Creekmur,
Medinah Marshall, Abigail Nacisse
National Outreach
Arielle Burns, Janeece Burns, Shelia Marshall
Community Outreach
Xylon Cole, Jayshawn Hayden, Linae Mccartney