Family Tributes IF ROSES GROW IN HEAVEN If roses grow in Heaven, Lord Please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her and when she turns to smile place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy I do it every day But there is an ache within my heart that will never go away. WE LOVE YOU, MOM! ~ Markia & Micah ~
DEAR GOD Dear God, please take care of my little girl, with her big brown eyes, and soft brown curls. She was special and sweet, as I’m sure You know. Lord, I really didn’t want to let her go. Please tell her she is loved so very dear. I’ll say it every day for her to hear. She touched the hearts of everyone she knew. My heart hurts, but I know she is safe with you. ~ Patty ~
Life Reflections With a heartwarming smile that would light up a room, Nakia Louise Lester was born on December 14, 1974, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the oldest of three children, and was affectionately known as “Nikki� to everyone who loved her. As a young child, Nakia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and became a member of Whitestone Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Walker Wright. She later became a member of Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where her grandfather, Pastor Willie H. Lester, proudly served as Pastor. In addition to serving faithfully on the Young Adult Usher Board, Nikki also served for several years as the Sunday School Secretary and a member of the Youth & Young Adult Choir and Mass Choir. A product of the Memphis City School system, Nakia attended Westwood Elementary School and graduated from Westwood High School in 1993. From the early days of her youth, it was obvious that Nikki had a true gift for cosmetology. That gift led her to offer hair care services to her family and friends, and eventually expanded her clientele. She also donated her time and service to providing haircare services to individuals who were elderly or in need. There was no doubt that Nikki had a heart of gold, which she used to impact the lives of many during her lifetime. In her professional life, she was employed with FedEx Trade Networks for over 15 years. Through this affiliation, she developed meaningful friendships and continued to use her heart to touch the lives of others. She would often host gatherings for her friends where she would make her famous meatballs. Because of her nurturing spirit, she offered a listening ear and a word of encouragement to many who felt comfortable reaching out to her. She was a true fan of the Tennessee Titans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Seeing her operate as a sideline coach while watching the games on television was hilarious. She loved spending time with her family, and she was a devoted mother to her two children, Markia and Micah, whom she loved dearly. She peacefully answered the call of her Heavenly Father on May 31, 2018. One sister, Myka Dionne Warmsley, preceded her in death. To cherish her sweet memory, Nakia leaves her mother, Carmen Warmsley; her father, Michael Warmsley; a brother, Markus Warmsley, her beloved daughter, Markia; her eleven-month old son, Micah James; her grandparents, Pastor Willie & Louise Lester; her godmother, Georgia Nicholson; godsisters who assisted in her care, and a host of other relatives, friends, and others who share the belief that in knowing Nakia Lester, we were truly touched by an angel.
Order of Service Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Nakia Lester Old & New Testament Scripture Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor DeAndre Brown Lifeline to a Dying World Ministries Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .Pastor Edrin Alexander Song of Celebration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir REFLECTIONS OF NIKKI Ms. Pamela Shelby, Friend Ms. Yolanda Rouser, FedEx Trade Networks Ms. Tiffany Bailey, Westwood High Class of 1993 Musical Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Pavia Clark-Hall Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Angela Perry-Farsee REFLECTIONS OF NIKKI Missionary Jackie Brown, Friend & Client Mr. Markus Warmsley, Brother Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Walker D. Wright Whitestone Baptist Church Musical Tribute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Psalmist Deborah Manning Thomas Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Willie Fields Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Nakia Lester At the family’s request, the remains will NOT be viewed following the eulogy.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.� Matthew 5:4, KJV
If Heaven needs a hair stylist, you’ll outshine all of the rest! If the choir needs a strong alto, they now have one of the BEST! On Earth, you had time to practice what an angel should say, think, and feel Now, practice time has ended....and you’ve become an angel for real.
We Love You, Nikki!
Acknowledgment
There are those whose lives death cannot diminish. Their love radiates forever in the hearts of family and friends. With deep and sincere appreciation, the family of Nakia Lester wishes to warmly thank our friends and loved ones for your comforting words and genuine expressions of kindness during our time of sadness. We are comforted to know that her love will live on in the hearts of many. Special thanks to the doctors and staff of The West Clinic, Methodist Germantown Hospital and to Pastor Alexander and the Greater Pleasant Hill Church family.
Active Pallbearers
Wayne Lester Courtney Lester
Kelvin Lester Tevin Smith
Brandon Ward Brian Smith
Honorary Pallbearers Westwood High School Class of 1993 FedEx Trade Network Employees
Interment Forest Hill Cemetery - South 2545 E. Holmes Road s Memphis, TN 38118
Memorial Repast Beautiful Event Venue s 3592 Knight Arnold Road s Memphis, TN 38118
Professional Services E. H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard s Memphis, TN 38116 Program Design
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