Anitra Niche Taylor

Anitra Niche Taylor was the daughter of Mary Jones, born on Sunday, December 31, 1972 in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after, she moved to Phoenix when she was 3 months old. As a beautiful little girl she was quiet but loved to play outdoors and was always very particular about her fashionable style.

She attended Edison Middle school then went on and graduated from North High School. She completed some college at South Mountain Community College, Rio Salado Community College and Gateway Community College.

She had her first daughter, Zhante’ in 1997 and a few years later had her second daughter, Zir’Riah. By God’s Grace she then had her one and only son, Zi’Aire. Following her love for her very own children she then started to pursue her passion for kids by starting a career in teaching and helping underprivileged families.

She fulfilled her goals by working at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Bernard Black Elementary, The Salvation Army, Whiz Kidz, Open Hearts, and Elevate Youth & Family Services. Each of her positions consisted of various roles and responsibilities. She thrived most in supervising roles as her career focused on social work, special education, behavioral health and group home care. It was TRULY her passion.

Anyone who knew Anitra, knew that God was at the head of life or as she would call it “Her # 1!” She would offer daily words of encouragement and affirmations. And we KNOW if she had your number or had you as a facebook friend, you received her daily bread!

She was Baptised in February of 2017 by Pastor T. Carter and True Believers Leadership Ministries. She was faithful, entreating, welcoming and her hospitality was contagious. A prayer warrior was WHO she was. Her prayer oil was by her side at all times and she was very vocal about her beliefs. No grey areas came with Anitra. Discerning good and evil, Right and Wrong, Just and Injust, was something she was passionate about.

Family was at the center of her core. She knew what she wanted, which was enjoying her family and especially her grandson, Ta'Meir. She was willing. Her will to Praise and Worship was a constant confirmation that she was a True Child of God.

God rewarded her by Blessing her to spend her last years in her home together with her children under 1 roof. She stayed in the kitchen and made a mean red velvet cake and was known to make the potato salad at every family gathering. Everything she cooked or touched was amazing. She was very crafty and dreamed of becoming an interior designer.

She had Love for everyone. Her thoughtfulness molded her into becoming a natural gift giver, whether something big or small, she never went any where empty handed. She had a heart to lend a helping hand rather it was for her own family, friends or a homeless person in need. She was a pure giver.

Leaving to cherish her memories, a mother Mary Jones; two daughters Zhante Shumate and Zir’Riah Shumate of Phoenix; one son Zi’Aire Shumate of Phoenix; one grandson Ta’Meir Brown of Phoenix; two sisters Janine Finely and Khadijah Jones of Phoenix. Six nephews Paul Jr, Enoch, Desmion, Desvon, Desmarion, and Dion; and four nieces Ashanti, Destiny, Desnae, and Dior; All of phoenix. She also leaves to cherish a loving aunt Diane Lambeth along with a host of many more family and friends.

A special thanks to Anitra’s children and grandchild for their tenacious care, love and support during her fight against cancer. Our family wants to extend a very special thanks to Alicia and Nancy, for their relentless care and help with assisting with her Journey. An honorable mention to all family and friends who have and continue to support.

A funeral for Anitra will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.