Erika Deanne Jasper

In her youth, Erika attended St. Paul Lutheran School for eight years. From there she attended A.S. Johnston High School and J. H. Reagan High School.

Erika loved and cherished her children and grandson. Erika spent many days and nights traveling across the states with her son as an aspiring basketball athlete. Erika supported her children in all of their endeavors.

Erika’s love for Christ began at an early age, nurtured through a close-knit relationship with her grandparents. She was first a member of 19th Street Baptist Church under the leadership of M.C. Arnold. She later joined and worshipped with her family at St. James Baptist Church under the late E.M. Franklin and continued her spiritual journey at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of her grandfather, Walter R. Jasper. Her faith journey also led her to Antioch Baptist Church, where she continued under the leadership of her grandfather, faithfully remaining a devoted member until her health declined.

Erika was richly gifted in song and worship, a passion that blossomed early through her involvement in church youth choirs. She continued to nurture her gift of singing and, at Antioch, her ministry flourished as she grew in song, youth mentorship, speaking, and leadership.

For over 20 years, Erika shared her gift as a member of Adrian Reed and Anointed Praise. She also embraced her calling to minister the Word of God, speaking at various engagements. Her dedication extended to regular attendance at St. John Regular Baptist Association gatherings, NAACP conventions, National Baptist Association conventions, and active membership in Top Teens of America.

Erika was a beacon of light shining everywhere she went. Her love for fashion and sense of style was a true expression of her vibrant personality.

She is preceded in death by her father Dennis Brown; her grandparents Gladys L. Jasper (maternal grandmother) Walter R. Jasper ( maternal grandfather) and Catherine Brown (paternal grandmother); and her uncle Larry Brown.

Erika’s legacy continues on through her children Cameron Mikal Mack, Christian Milay Mack and her only grandchild Tru' Lixe Williams.

Her memory lives on through her beloved mother Jocelyn Wade; her siblings Natasha Dione Wade, Breana Nicole Wade, Erik Sean Jasper, Azure Brown, Azaria Brown, Shiska Brown, and Eddie Clinton, Jr.; her nieces and nephews Erik Jasper, Jr., Kierra Jasper, Keshon Jasper, Kassadi Jasper, Elijiah Jasper, Tristan Jasper, Paizley Crittendon and Micah Fleming. She also leaves to cherish her memories a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, very close friends and extended family.