Nikia Tarkington

Nikia Marie Tarkington was born on September 28, 1985 to Jerry Tarkington Sr. and Diane (Tarkington) Hilliard in Tucson, Arizona.

Nikia was always a free spirit, never held back by the rules or expectations of others. When her older siblings removed her training wheels from her bike so she’d quit following them, she taught herself to ride that 12” two-wheeler like a boss.

As she grew older, she became resourceful. When she was about six years old, her aunt caught her dragging a crate of her siblings’ toys door to door, kind of a mobile yard sale. You can tell by her childhood photos – everything she did, she did it with passion, laughing or crying. This trait followed her throughout her short life.

When she tried the “easy” route of medical coding and billing and did not succeed, she aimed much higher. After putting her all into it, she achieved her Licensed Practical Nursing certificate. She always said she wanted to work with elders, as they had already lived their lives, and they had such amazing stories to tell. It was a joy to watch her as she interacted with residents at The Fountains and Life Care Center. She often spoke of how, because of her illnesses, she knew what it was like to be the patient, so she was determined to treat these residents with respect and dignity.

Nikia was not perfect, but she was authentic. As she matured, her priorities changed. She cherished family, genuine friendships, and her precious princess, Keyara. Every sacrifice she made, every struggle she endured, she did so in order that Keke could have everything she needed.

She struggled so much when her cancer returned, and she fought with everything she had. When she saw the end was approaching, she accepted what was to come with grace and dignity. We are so grateful that we got to share this bright light with the world, and we treasure the promise that we will see her again in her new body, perfect and unblemished.

Nikia is survived by her daughter, Keyara Mae Tarkington, parents, Jerry Tarkington Sr. (Dolores Ramirez) and Diane Hilliard (Keith); brothers Jerry Jr. (Summer) and Aaron (and unofficial brother Steven Long); sisters Michele Adams and Brianne Tarkington; step-siblings Amber (Billy), Rechelle (Jeff), Ashley (Kisi), Lekesha (Burt), Sasha, Mariesha (Ben), and Tyrell (Corielle); so many aunts, uncles, precious cousins, nieces and nephews, and great niece Sofia, all of whom will greatly miss their sweet Kita.

In addition, Nikia left behind so many friends and co-workers who she appreciated and loved. Her besties, there from seventh grade till the end, Laura Idrissou, Carolyn Chacon, Jessica (and Jason) Moats, and Candace O’Brien have so many treasured memories of their amazing friendship.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Tami (Yvette) and Robert Tarkington, Peggy Campbell, Marsha Shotz, Katie Randall, and all who have helped us through this loss.