Nilka Yadira Croney

Born on April 4, 1963, in Rio Abajo, Panama, Nilka began her life at 2508 7th Street, where she was welcomed home by her loving

family and the close-knit community of Caesar Village. From the very beginning, Nilka's presence was felt. Her aunts and uncles

quickly became devoted protectors of both Nilka and her younger brother, Lenny, who was born one year and five months later.

Nilka completed her primary education at Escuela Manuel Espinosa Batista and her secondary studies at Instituto Commercial

Panamá. As a young child, one of Nilka's favorite pastimes was taking long walks up and down the neighborhood hills and visiting

the park, where she could spend hours enjoying the swings. A story that perfectly reflects the Nilka we all came to know and love

took place when she was 14 years old. Nilka had the honor of serving as a bridesmaid in her Aunt Tania's wedding. The wedding

featured a beautiful rainbow-inspired color scheme, and Aunt Tania selected a lovely brownish-orange dress for Nilka to wear.

However, Nilka was not pleased. She insisted that she wanted to wear green. When her aunt asked, "What's the difference?" Nilka

confidently replied, "Because the green dress people are in the middle." Wanting her niece to be happy, Aunt Tania made the

change. Nilka proudly took her place among the bridesmaids in a green dress, standing exactly where she wanted to be. As she

walked down the aisle with grace, confidence, and poise, Aunt Tania felt incredibly proud. Then came the bouquet toss. Among the

single ladies eager to catch the bouquet was 14-year-old Nilka herself. Sure enough, she caught it. It was an early glimpse of the

determined, strong-willed, and unforgettable woman she would become. Growing up, Nilka loved riding her bicycle, playing

basketball, and playing volleyball. She was especially known for having a great jump shot on the basketball court.

On October 16, 1977, a new chapter of her life began. Nilka and her brother Lenny immigrated to the United States, settling in

Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to join their mother, Glendora. Nilka quickly adapted to her new surroundings and brought with her the

strength, resilience, and values she had developed while growing up in Panama. A few years after arriving in the United States,

Nilka began what would become the journey of all journeys: motherhood. On May 31, 1980, she welcomed her first child, Carlos.

One year and five months later, on October 1, 1981, she welcomed her second child, Chantelle. Nilka approached motherhood

with the same values she had learned in Papa and Mama's house. She raised her children with a loving heart, firm guidance, and

unwavering dedication. Above all, she always wanted the very best for her children. After years of challenges, sacrifices, and

perseverance as a single mother, Nilka was blessed to join her brother in Amityville, Long Island. There, she achieved one of her

dreams by purchasing her first home. The transition from Brooklyn to Amityville was not easy. Yet through every obstacle, Nilka

refused to give up. The determination that had been instilled in her as a young girl carried her through life's many ups and downs.

Soon another chapter awaited her. In the summer of 1999, Nilka experienced the joy of becoming a grandmother with the birth of

her first granddaughter, Sierra. Throughout the years, her vision of providing her family with the best possible opportunities never

wavered. An opportunity eventually arose through her employment that would lead her south. Thanks to her bilingual skills, she

was able to relocate while maintaining the same salary. As she told her brother, "It's a no-brainer. New York pay in North Carolina

makes a lot of sense!" Following a heartfelt farewell from family and friends, Nilka moved to Gastonia, North Carolina. Her children

would join her later. Nilka loved life in Gastonia. She had grown tired of the hustle and bustle of New York and appreciated the

calmer pace of life. She often spoke about how manageable the traffic was and how much she treasured the peaceful atmosphere

and sense of community that North Carolina offered. North Carolina would bring even more blessings as Nilka welcomed three

more grandchildren into her legacy: her granddaughter Kyra, her grandson Jasiah, and her granddaughter Kiniah, whom she

affectionately called her "twin." Anyone who saw Nilka with her grandchildren could easily recognize the profound love she had for

them. Nilka's no-nonsense determination, strong spirit, unwavering love, and memorable presence will continue to live on through

her family and friends.

Nilka was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Violet; her mother, Glendora; her uncles, Donald and Tony and

Godmother Catherine.

Those She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory

Nilka is survived by Carlos Croney Sr, her children, Carlos Croney and Chantelle Croney; her beloved grandchildren, Sierra, Kyra,

Jasiah, and Kiniah; and her cherished family dog, Willow Dean. She is also survived by her brother, Leonardo Brown (Marsha); her

nieces, Desiree Brown and Lenee Brown; her nephew, Elijah Brown; her father, Leonardo Pringle (Marie); her sister, Nakia Mack

(Randy); her niece, Naiima Mack; and Oscar Smith. She also leaves behind her uncles, Armando and Mario (Linda); her aunts,

Marolyn of Panama, Sheila (Dunstan), Hyacinth (Thomas), Melida (Samuel), Pamela, and Tania (Danny); along with numerous

cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though Nilka's earthly journey has come to an end, her legacy of strength, determination, love, and devotion to family will live on in

the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.