On Thursday, March 25, 2010 our beloved Danika Ravae Simpson, "Nika" exchanged this life for a new one. Danika was born March 13, 1990 and was raised in Winston-Salem, NC. "If you ever met Danika you loved Danika." It was truly a blessing watching this flower blossom. Danika was baptized at a very young age, and had a great understanding of the word. This later led to her becoming a member at Carver Road Christian Church…oh what a great day! Danika was a graduate of Carver High School, Class of 2009. One of Danika's many passions was her love for running track. Her love for the sport began at Mineral Springs Middle School and continued throughout 2006-2009. As a member of the Carver Track Team, Danika won many medals and awards for her accomplishments in track. One of her many highlights was having the opportunity to compete at UNC-Chapel Hill for a chance at winning the state championship in 2009. Danika also had a love for Pop-Warner athletics, where she was an avid volunteer from 2006-2008 for the Walkertown Wolfpack. Having the opportunity to work with children made her realize it was a passion, leading her to volunteering at Winston-Salem State University Day Care Center.
At the time of her passing, Danika was a part-time employee at a local in home daycare center where she continued her passion for the love of children. Along with her many accomplishments, Danika was a great daughter, a loving sister, and a committed friend. She was a very stylish person with a special kind of swag, who had a personality that would brighten your day. Never being the selfish type, she was always willing to be supportive and lend a helping hand if needed. Nika has touched so many lives; the world will truly miss an angel like this.
Danika was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Earl Simpson, Sr.; grandmother, Mildred Simpson Blackwell; her brother, Antwaun Simpson; her beloved cousin, Carmella Lindsay; and two uncles, Jefferey and Kenneth Simpson. You will all be missed but never, ever forgotten.
Danika leaves so many to cherish her dear memories, her mother, T'Angela Simpson-Fuller; her stepfather, Brentillo Fuller; sisters and brothers, Lamesha, Zikeya, Trejon, and Savion; her nephew, T'Miyus Marley; grandfather, Nathaniel Blackwell; great-grandmother, Rosena Gist Simpson; great-aunts, Carrie (Cecil) Allsop of SC, Joyce (Rossevelt) Brooks, Evangelist Rosemary (Deacon Hiwathia) Gist, and Sandra K. McCullough; great-uncles, Jessie (Sylvia) Simpson of NO, Leanord (Donna) Simpson, Harry (Sheila) Simpson, Donald, Timothy, Norvell, and Earl Simpson, Jr.; and a host of cousins, family, friends, and a special friend, Chase Davis.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from Noon until 1pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the oncology staff at WFU/Baptist Medical Cancer Center and the Reynolds Tower ICU 4th Floor. We would also like to thank her many friends for their prayers and support.