Nia "Nia cherry" Collette Greer

Nia was born on a hot July 3,1996 at LaGuardia Hospital in Forest Hills, NY. She was 23 yrs old when she departed this earthly life. Her Heavenly Father called her name on Sunday June 28, 2020.Her passing was sudden, it broke our hearts but we are grateful she has found new life in a heavenly place in her Fathers care.

I, her mother remember asking Nia at age 3 if she wanted to be in a "Pretty Little Princess" Pageant to be held in Newark, New Jersey. She replied, 'Yes, sure mommy.' I explained that it was just for fun, what it was all about, and we also practiced curtseying. We were all so excited and traveled early by bus and subway. She was placed in the 'Little Darlin' division ,#7 and guess what, she won 1st place. Lucky #7. We noticed early that she was willing to try new things and adventures.

Nia attended P.S 42 in Flushing NY. East West School of International Studies in Flushing ,NY where she studied Chinese also graduated from Lowell School in Flushing, NY with an Award for Outstanding Achievement in four subject areas.

Nia was extremely talented. She mastered the' triple treat 'and excelled in the Arts with gracious ease. She was a beloved former student, principal performer, competitive varsity cheerleader and teaching assistant at the Roberta Wells Conservatory. She also was a student of the World renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Pointe and was accepted in an accelerated program.

Nia performed at the City College, Queens Theatre in the Park Main Stage and a host of other Venues throughout the City. She most recently participated in social justices marches during the Black Lives Matter Movement and studied at Queens Community College with an interest to practice Art Therapy with children and her goal to become a Clinical Child Psychologist. This dream was not realized but we know that it was purposeful in her heart. Nia was recently hired by the Community Counseling and Mediation Center as an afterschool group leader in creative writing, creative movement and class curriculum. She lived life to the fullest.

Nia means 'Purpose' in the seven principles of Kwanzaa. She was a purposeful young woman and lived life thoughtfully and fiercely and brought purpose to our lives and hope for a better world and people. Known fondly as 'Nia Cherry' she loved animals, enjoyed reading and wrote poetry and prose, was an avid reader and an eclectic music lover. She loved Lofi music, gospel music and enjoyed 'jamming' to 'Benny and the Jets' especially when we finally drive into Wildwood New Jersey for vacation. She was so excited to be there.

During the summer while she was still young Nia would accompany her mother to her workplace at the Nursing home. She really shined while engaging with the elderly residents ,so gently by reading to them, doing arts and crafts or just sitting and talking with them and we noticed this as a special gift of empathy.

Nia meditated daily and practiced yoga. She ate wholesome foods, veggie bowls ,loved shrimp dumplings and enjoyed international flavors. Being both humble and gracious, tempered with a compassionate nature with the ability to bring a unique energy to any individual or one person or in promoting a team spirit. She was without fail honorable in her intentions to be supportive and help others in whichever way she can. Nia's compassionate nature brings a sense of peace and justice to any concerned person. She was empathetic towards people with Mental Illness and those that did not have as much as others.

Nia's favorite saying was 'I'm speaking my truth" especially when she was passionate to get her point across and "Okie Dokie". She especially encouraged her mom to speak her truth. Nia especially loved nature, and walking the biking trails, loved sunflowers and lotus flowers and her favorite color is lavender.

Nia loved the beach, especially Robert Moses State Park because she felt the water strengthened her. Family vacations in Wildwood New Jersey and Cape May for fifteen tears were especially dear to Nia because she was able to escape the city and we always took one of her best friends which they both enjoyed. There she felt free and also learned to swim. At home she was centered by her parents.

Nia loved her parents dearly and wrote poems for Mothers Day in lieu of a gift which her mother loved and still holds on to. Her father was her favorite ATM. Nia enjoyed attending Church services with her mom and dad and was clearly moved by the message and the gospel music as she oftentimes became tearful. She was a gift from God and a Blessing to our family and I thank God every day she was my daughter and she still is.

We will forever remember Nia's legacy. Perseverance was her portion, strength, kindness and passion for what she believed in. We'll miss your embracing hugs, your quirky sense of humor, long dancer legs , your bright smile and light that shined so brightly. Your journey through this life with a beautiful soul touched many lives and hearts and your presence within our lives will be missed each and every day by all who knew you and loved you and will remember you.

Nia was preceded in death by her Great Grandmother, Enid Watson, Great Grandfather Arthur Watson, Grandmother Sarah Lancaster and Grandfather Nathaniel Greer and her Aunt Nathalie Grant.

Nia our beloved daughter gave us cherished memories and is deeply missed by her loving parents, Shirley Lawrence Greer and Lance Greer, loving sister Jenelle Lawrence, Grandmother Una Lawrence, Grandfather Reuben Lawrence, beloved nephew, Aiden Lawrence, bonus moms, a host of cousins, extended family members, many friends and her cat Pharaoh.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Nia's charity St Jude.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future"

Jeremiah 29:11

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Greer family.