Karleisha Tikira "TIKI" Walker

SUNRISE:

Miss Karleisha Tikira Walker, affectionately known as "Tiki", was born June 19, 1998 to Karl Rohleader Walker and Tamika Dionne Harville. She professed faith in Christ and was equipped as a Generation Z believer at Rock City Church, under the leadership of Pastor Michael D. McClure, Jr.

HER STORY: Karleisha's journey was adventurous, yet also ardous, overcoming many medical challenges. She was born with a rare disorder known as Fanconi Anemia, a condition affecting many parts of the body. The most common symptoms include bone marrow failure, physical abnormalities, organ defects and an increased risk of cancer. This "miracle baby" defied all medical science living nearly eight (8) years beyond her life expectancy. She became the very definition of "but God" as God repeatedly transformed her life from myth to miracle!

Karleisha received a bone marrow transplant in 2007 conquering one of the biggest challenges of her life and, by the grace of God, "SHE LIVED"! Regardlesss of the trials and tribulations stemming from a plethora of surgeries, numerous vivits to doctors offices, month- long admissions in the hospital and most recently the diagnosis of cancer, she never let these test of faith damper her spirit or change her demeanor. Karleisha was an inspiration to many, especially her mom! No matter what obstacles were placed in front of her, she facedall head on with pit bull tenacity.

Our merciful God anointed Karleisha to accomplish a multitude of things on her nearly 22 year journey and know that she played the hand she was dealt with grace and poise.From the moment she entered this life, the devil's strategy was to kill, steal and destroy the quality of her life (John 10:10). Yet, she was covered by the blood of Jesus and with fully-loaded faith, God was her strength and her shield (Psalm 28:7) and Karleisha continually overcame.

CHARACTERISTICS/PERSONALITY

Karleisha was a charismatic young lady with an amazingly bright smile and an infectious laugh that delighted the ears and heart! One of the strongest personalities you could have the pleasure of meeting. Tiki was a person of style an intellect. Karleisha's multi-faceted personality was the perfect balance of elegance and feistiness. Of all her admirable qualities, she was the true definition of strength and positivity. Karleisha had an extensive circle of family and friends who genuinely hold her in high esteem and will be forever impacted by her presence in their lives. For all blessed to know her couldn't ask for a better person, friend, daughter, sister, niece or aunt.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Karleisha received her formal education in the Birmingham  City School System, where she attended Tuggle Elementary in first grade until she became ill and home-schooled for  three (3) years. Once she was strong enough to return to school, she completed South Hampton Elementary, Daniel Payne Middle school and matriculated to A.H. Parker High School where she was a 2017 graduate. As her condition began to affect her senses but not her desire  to achieve in her life, tenacious Tiki attended the E.H. Gentry Facility at AIDB (Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind) in Talladega,  Alabama receiving her work force training diploma.

JOB EXPERIENCES and PURPOSE:

Karlisha worked at the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum as a tour guide intermittently throughout her life. She was declared "The Boss" by the staff and many of her peers due to her deposition and natural leadership and natural leadership qualities. A gifted exhorter and innate counselor, she walked in purpose strengthening and encouraging others who may have had a bad day, disappointments or did not feel well. Despite her own physical dilemmas, Karleisha's mere presence would brighten their day and lift their spirits. Her kind heart and huge compassion made her both an advocate and comforter for people. If you lacked anything, Karleisha would fight tooth and nail to make sure you received it. Always thinking of others before herself, she learned to comfort others with the comfort she had received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and often acted as shepherd/guide.

SUNSET:

On Tuesday June 2, 2020, Karleisha played her last card as her earthly life came to an end and shattered our hearts. Yet, there is joy knowing she is now clothed in white, suffering has ceased and is full of joy and peace! Even through our tears, our hearts sing "Hallelujah" knowing she is a part of the great cloud of witnesses as she joins her maternal grandparents, Deborah Ann Harville and Fletcher Harville and her paternal grandfather and uncle, Julius Walker, Jr. and Julius Walker , III, who preceded her in death.

Karleisha's beautiful memory will be forever cherished in the lives of her mother, Tamika Dionne Harville; her father, Karl Rohleader Walker (Takia); brothers, Michael Craig and Karlton Walker; sisters'Nekiah Haywood and Kariya Walker; stepfather, Willie Haywood; dedicated special friend, Timerik "Whoodie" Jackson; godmothers, Eboni Herd- Vassar, Tamora Morris- McClendon, Wanda Orr; and a host of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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