Let’s take a journey back in time. To a breezy fall Wednesday morning in Harvey, IL., October 18,1989 to be exact. From the halls of Ingall’s Memorial Hospital came the cries of a beautiful baby girl named Nicole Darice Betts Born to the loving parents Edward L and Carla D Betts who rejoiced at the birth of their 9lbs and 3ounce baby girl Nikki, as she was affectionately called. She was the second born and the very first Girl. Growing up with Nikki: She loved to love, she loved life, she loved to have fun. She was very protective of her family, especially her mom. She has touched the lives of many, she was sweet, goofy and feisty as well. She was the artistic child who loved music, writing and dancing. Beyoncé was her favorite artist and yellow was her favorite color, which symbolizes Happiness, Warmth and Sunshine. Nicole had a zeal for education as she was very smart and ambitious. She began early education in the Matteson School system. Nikki attended and completed High School in 2007 at Crete/Monee High School. After High School, she continued her education at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, then later on transferred to Kankakee Community College where she studied and received her associate degree in education. Nikki, was reared by God-fearing parents who raised her in church where she confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at New Birth Outreach Ministries, under the leadership of the late Pastor Hardy L Coleman Jr. As an Adult she was a member of Valley Kingdom International Ministries. Both churches introduced a form of art which she grow to love which was praise dancing. Nov 30, 2008: Nicole’s life changed for a greater purpose. She became a mother to an adorable little bundle of joy whom she named Amyhia Nicole Betts. Nicole’s beautiful baby girl shortly became her bestfriend, the apple of her eye and the beat of her heart. Sunday, October 10, 2021 in the wee hours of the morning God called his Angel home to be with Him. Our hearts weren’t ready but we do have this hope: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!” Nicole lived life, a full life and leaves a lifetime of memories and a legacy for us to cherish forever. Prececeding her in death is her grandmother Mary Elizabeth Ray. Nikki called her “ best friend” and her “best friend” called her “Ms.Pritzy”. The two shared a special bond. Also preceding her in death is grandfather Joe Eddie Ray Sr. Cherishing Nikki’s Memories are: her daughter Amyhia Nicole, parents Edward L and Carla D Betts, 2 brothers; Darius L, Devon M (Christina R), 2 Sisters: Christiané D, Candace A; grandparents: Urcil L Betts and Elder Chearlither Betts; 3 uncles: Michael Bernard (Kim) of Brighton, TN. and Egbert Lance Betts, Pastor Karlton Ray (Karmeleta) of Chicago,IL; 4 aunts Laverne Buford of Brighton, TN, Vivian Davis of Anguilla, Ms; Joni Montgomery (Gerald) and Dawnie Webb of Chicago, IL 14 nieces and nephews and host of cousins and friends. Special Mentions: Aki Ford, Laura Green and Family; Teiyawnia Holliman
Order of Service Friday, October 23, 2021
Wake - 10:00am | Celebration of Life - 11:00am Valley Kingdom Ministries International 5300 151st Street Oak Forest, IL
OFFICIANT Elder Linda Smith OLD TESTAMENT READING Elder Shannon Robins NEW TESTAMENT READING Orlanthia Phillips PRAYER Elder Linda Smith MINISTRY IN DANCE United Ministry of Dance SPECIAL REMARKS MINISTRY IN SONG Visionary Chorale RESOLUTION, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND OBITUARY READING Wylene Flowers MINISTRY IN DANCE United Ministry of Dance WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Elder Jeffrey Newton CLOSING PRAYER Carla Betts
“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 awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away. -Love Amyhia
Darius Betts Trell Slayden Nazir Fort
Pallbearers
Devon Betts Michael Slayden Erich Edwards
Honorary Pallbearers
Quenton Franklin Jermaine Bernard
Kiara Bernard Dajuan Bernard
Interment Private
Family Acknowledgment
We sincerely thank you for your thoughtful expressions of love and condolences, it is deeply appreciated. Your calls, texts, thoughts and prayers have helped us tremendously and will always be remembered. All cards and other communications will be viewed by the family at a later date. - The Family