Nia was born January 14, 1991 to Anita King-McMillion and Michael Jennings in Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of Whitehall Yearling High School and Eastland Career Center, class of ’09, Nia pursued a career in education, working as an Instructional Assistant and was enrolled at Grand Canyon University.
Nia was an amazing daughter, sister, friend, and mother to her three beautiful children. Her smile and energy could light up any room. If Nia was anything, she was selfless. She wore compassion like a coat and always had a spirit of gratitude. Moreover, she was forgiving and supportive of everyone she met. Family was important to her as well. Oftentimes, Nia was the person coordinating holiday gatherings, while stepping up to assist others whenever help was needed. Nia enjoyed baking and spontaneous outings with her sisters (who dubbed themselves the #sisters4). She also enjoyed joking with her brother Manny, spending time with her niece Jasmine, and being supermom to her three smart, energetic, and talented children. Like no one else, Nia could finish her mother’s sentences and she had her dad wrapped around her finger. Nia loved her church and dance was her passion; indeed, it was Nia’s happy place. In dance, Nia was more than talented, she was an anointed changer of atmospheres. Through everything Nia did, she touched lives, and we are better because of her.
Nia Christina Jennings, age 29, left this earthly realm on February 27, 2020, after a long illness. Anyone who might be tempted to suggest Nia lost her battle to cancer would be wrong. This is because Nia never stopped fighting. No matter how she felt, Nia was determined. Her bright and contagious smile rarely left her face, and she never complained. When others may have faltered, or been utterly broken, Nia stayed strong. She lived her life with spunk and fought with grit. Through Nia, we---her family and friends---have learned what resilience and perseverance truly look like. They look like Nia Christina, one who did not know the word: Quit. There was absolutely no quit in Nia! Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. Nia lived with purpose and that is a true win.
Nia is preceded in death by Grandparents, Arthur and Goldie Jennings and Elijah and Anna Anderson, Aunt Hollis Jennings, Uncle Michael Anderson, and Godfather Kenneth Pittman.
She is survived by her loving parents, Anita King-McMillion and Michael and Joanne Jennings; she lives on through her beautiful children Nakya, Zariah, Christopher Jr, and bonus-daughter SaVeyah; and will be forever celebrated and missed by her sisters Nakia King (Garey), Meloni Fisher (Ernest Mingo (Bestfriend), Shanika (Christopher) Brown, and Vicky Caslin; brothers Masekela King, Ricky (Angie) Parnell, Raymond McFadden, and Alonzo King III. Nia absolutely loved being an auntie to her nieces and nephews and had a special bond with each one of them; Tyler, Tayron, Tyron, Josiah, Jasmine, Aria, Andrew, Timothy, Adair, Dewayne, Devin, Emma, and CJ. Also survived by Godmother Gracie Ruffin, Godsister Bethany (L’Darryl) James, best friend Shaniqua White, Special Friends Takisha Jacobs, Sakoya and Ashanti Martin, Christopher Evergin Sr., and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Temple of Faith Church of God in Christ, 1441 Brentnell Ave, Columbus, OH 43219.
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