In Loving Memory of a Remarkable Soul: Tamika Smallwood: Her legacy, of being a true warrior, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and Beloved Friend, who peacefully departed this life on February 24, 2024. Her passing leaves a profound void in our lives, but her legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering strength will forever illuminate our hearts.
Tamika was born on October 23, 1980, to Alice Smallwood and Jonnie Saunders at Norfolk Community Hospital in Norfolk Va. Tamika brought boundless joy and love into the lives of all who knew her. Her infectious laughter, compassionate spirit, and gentle guidance endeared her to everyone she encountered.
Through life’s trials and triumphs, she relied on her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be a pillar of strength, while she embodied grace and dignity in every challenge she faced.
In 1998, Tamika graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She attended Norfolk State University for a short time due to illness and had to put her studies on hold.
On August 31, 2005, Tamika gave birth to her cherished son Jayden Jarvis Jarrell
Smallwood at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Va. Jayden’s birth brought immeasurable joy and fulfillment to her life. There was never a conversation where his name wasn’t mentioned.
Smallwood at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Va. Jayden’s birth brought immeasurable joy and fulfillment to her life. There was never a conversation where his name wasn’t mentioned.
In 2021 she graduated from ECPI with her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She had a story published about her journey “A New kidney and New Degree.” Up until her passing, Tamika worked for The Juvenile Domestic Court in Virginia Beach, Va.
As an active member of her community, Tamika contributed to the Kidney Association, was a host on the Urban Kidney Alliance with Steve Belcher on Kidney Disease awareness, she mentored 3K+following on social media, in addition to mentoring the youth in her community or wherever she went. Meeka joined with grassroots organizing to tell her story about high rent prices. Tamika’s repelling story was published in a housing editorial in the Virginia Pilot. Meeka was a courageous individual who selflessly assisted with people who battled her same illness. She won an honorable mention in the 16th annual contest for the renal support Network in 2018, Entitled “Hakuna Matata” featured on their web site. It focused on who inspired her, which was her son Jayden.
In her leisure time, Tamika enjoyed spending time with her beloved son Jayden, he was the center of her world. She was very photogenic as you can see, loved family and friends, writing poetry, reading, watching movies, and traveling. Up until her passing she was working on a book entitled “Delayed not Denied.”
Tamika leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her son Jayden Smallwood, Mother Alice S. Blowe (Bernard), Father Jonnie Saunders (Carolyn), Sister Tawanda Smallwood, Sister Briana Wilkins (Dwayne), Sister Tanya and a host of God kids, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.Tamika was truly loved and will be missed by all.
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Cynthia Nash Hill says
March 3, 2024 at 9:56 amTo the family, may GOD keep you’ll in his unchanging hands.
Weeping may endure for a night, but GOD will always bring you’ll joy, in the morning.
Being a dialysis nurse, I just want to say , Tamika fought a Beautiful Fight. She sustained a life of triumph, that others could not have imagined.
She always thought about her son and she pressed forward.
Rest in peace Tamika, you definitely deserve your Crown.
Luv you’ll,
Cinny Nash Hill
Rebecca Hudson says
March 3, 2024 at 7:46 pmTo family and friends, no words can make things better at this time, but know that coming together and supporting each other can make things easier. Tamika had a spirit that never gave up and she fought the great fight. Her relationship with God was amazing and made her strong to keep going. Her life was her son who she succeeded in raising into a wonderful young man. I am so proud of her and I will love and miss her always. God bless you all. 🕊️💜🙏🕊️💜🙏🕊️💜🙏
Janet Gill-Perez says
March 4, 2024 at 5:35 pmTo the Smallwood family. I’ve been keeping abreast the fight that Tamika fought. To Alice know that I know how hard it is to lose a child, but the Graces of God will bring you through. Our God will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”. God Will continue any battles with you, her son and all of the Smallwood family I grew up with. Blessings Always.
Pat harris says
March 7, 2024 at 9:49 amTO THE FAMILY,no words can express how I feel may God keep and bless you through your bereavement, I pray God will give you the strength.
Cw Dozier says
March 7, 2024 at 6:13 pmTo the family, Prayers and light for days ahead. Rest well Tamika
Lisa Highter says
March 8, 2024 at 8:09 amCondolences to you and your family May God give you and the family the strength doing the time y’all need PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY
LISA HIGHTER & FAMILY
Alvita Wilson says
March 8, 2024 at 11:04 amMy Condolences to Jay and the rest of Tamika’s Family. Such a beautiful soul gone too soon. I pray for peace and strength during this difficult time. Tamika was such an inspiration and I admire her heartfelt story. RIH Meeka.
Shirley & Renee says
March 8, 2024 at 12:45 pmTo: Alice, Jay, and Tamika’s siblings and family, We (Shirley and Renee) send you our sincere condolences. We definitely understand that this is a hard one. We do know that God will comfort you and keep you. He truly will. We watched the services and wore our red in her honor. We love you all and pray for your strength and peace as you navigate the grieving process. God’s got you! SIP Tamika
Triniese Brown says
March 8, 2024 at 1:38 pmI’m still in shock you were the epitome of strength and resilience. The girls and I from SNG lab send our deepest condolences to the family especially her son Jay whom she spoke so highly of. Take your rest my friend. Our prayers and blessings to you all.
Emma Delores Simmons says
March 8, 2024 at 4:35 pmGirl I’m missing you much, you were a light in not just my life but all the ppl you meet, To Jay your Mom has touch so many lives & was loved by many, Remember in your grief We have to accept what GOD allows. & she loved you beyond infinity. R. I. P. Tamika rest easy my boo.
Robert parham says
March 8, 2024 at 9:18 pmMy condolences. To her family and. Her son.
Coleen Norman says
March 9, 2024 at 3:48 pmFamily, my condolences to you all. Praying God’s love , strength, and comfort to get you through the days ahead. May the memories shared bring comfort and peace. RIH Angel ♥️🌹