I love you Auntie Niki

My aunt Niki was the cool, young aunt that I could ask anything. I remember her teaching me the "wop" and the "snake" back in the day when she came to visit my mother and I in Germany. I hated when she braided my hair because she was so heavy-handed, but I loved her hairstyles, especially when she'd put the heart shaped beads on the ends. She's one of the few family members that still called me "KK" just like when I was a little girl :-) Unfortunately and suddenly Auntie Niki had to leave us. I had the honor of writing her obituary. I love you Auntie Niki RIP!

Her Life: A Labor of Love

Yes, life is a tumultuous, yet rewarding journey. Ndanika (Niki) Brown arrived on January 19, 1969 to Maurice A. Bowen and Alma V. Brown. She was baptized at The Historic Charles Street A.M.E Church as a young child.

The early part of Niki’s life was spent securing her urban socialite status as the life of the party of fashion innovator. She attended the Woodrow Wilson middle School and East Boston High.

Soon after graduating high school she married Deross Bolden and enlisted in the United States Navy, earning The National Defense Service Metal before being honorably discharged in 1992.

She wore many titles from student to officer to budding entrepreneur during these times but her life’s crowning achievement has been bringing life into the world.

Her children: Deoria, Daedre, Ainsley, Darryl, Devonte, Avery (deceased) and Abijah are the achievements she’s most proud of.

Though motherhood seemed to temporarily detour her from her entrepreneurial pursuits, she bought her motivational and organizational talents into her home. Handwritten signs can be found all around her home asking to please remove your shoes before entering and to please hang your coat neatly. The millionaire’s creed hangs prominently in her kitchen for all to see. In her office you can find her handwritten ABC’s to achieve your dreams.

Ndanika’s generosity often extended beyond her children and immediate family. She didn’t ponder extending a hand when someone was in need, to her it was automatic. She gave even when there was nothing to give. She loved slow Sundays, reading, shopping, dancing, TAE-BO, braiding hair, drawing and playing family games.

Not one to mince her words, she would speak her mind even if it meant losing a valued friendship. But with Ndanika the friendships wouldn’t be lost long; she fought hard but loved harder. Always remembering to call and wish her friends and family members a “Happy Birthday” during turbulent times and peaceful ones just the same. That was just…just, Niki…

Ndanika peacefully and quietly departed on Wednesday August 19th 2009. Leaving a legacy of vividly told stories that will never be forgotten, beautiful children that will carry on her strength and tenacity, and contagious energy.

She leaves to mourn her passing her parents, children, her siblings and a host of family and friends.