Ms. Shanika "Nika" Nicole Green

Shanika Nicole Green, lovingly known as “Nika”, was born on November 14, 1986, in Tampa, FL, and passed away in the same city on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after a courageous and long battle with colon cancer.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2511 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33605, with Apostle Calvin Green Sr., True Life Ministries, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Nika lived a life that was illuminated with grace, and kindness marked her every day. She carried warmth within her smile, and in her own unique, gentle way, she brightened rooms and lifted hearts with a presence that could not be ignored. She was creative, courageous, and loving, and these were not merely words used to describe her, but truths that lived in the way she moved through the world. She gave her best with steady care, and those who knew her will remember not just her physical beauty but the beauty of her spirit and the strength of her soul.

Shanika was a graduate of Wharton High School, Class of 2005.  She worked as a Licensed Insurance Adjuster, but her greatest work was that of a mother.

Faith was a steady light in Nika’s life, and her Christian beliefs helped shape the compassion she shared so freely. She walked with faith, and even in difficult seasons, she met life with hope and trust. Her spirit was anchored in love, and her example reminded others that grace can be strong, and strength can be gentle. She lived with a heart that believed in goodness, and that belief became part of her legacy.

Nika found joy in the simple and beautiful moments that make life memorable. She enjoyed time with family, music, food, movies, and fashion; she embraced each with delight and style. Whether sharing a meal, listening to a favorite song, watching a favorite movie, or expressing herself through fashion, she knew how to savor the moment and celebrate life. Her taste reflected her personality, vibrant and expressive, full of color, rhythm, charm and class.

Those who loved Nika will hold close memories of her laughter, her creativity, and her tender heart. She was the kind of woman whose presence could steady a room and whose kindness could soften a hard day. Her courage was not loud, but it was constant. Her love was not fleeting, but faithful. She faced life with a spirit that was both tender and strong, and she leaves behind a lasting example of how to live with purpose, heart and on your own terms.

As the poet and writer Maya Angelou once said, “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, but still, like air, I’ll rise.” Nika rose in her own way through every season of her life, meeting each day with dignity, and leaving behind a song of love that will not fade. Though her earthly journey has ended, the light she gave remains in the hearts of all who knew her.

Now she rests in peace, free from pain, embraced by eternal mercy and heavenly rest. The memory of Shanika Nicole Green will continue to bloom in the lives she touched, in the lessons she shared, and in the love she gave so freely. She will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the beauty, courage, and love that made her life a blessing.

She was preceded in death by: her grandfathers, Willie (Buddy) Green, Eddie Patrick Jr., Estar Hymes Jr., Ezekiel Barnes, and Willie J. Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving Grandmothers, Mary J. Robinson, Mary Patrick, Anna C. Barnes, and Christine Hymes; Mother, Cassandra Hymes (Mark); Father, Otis Green (Marlena); Step-Mother, Tlae Baker; Two Daughters, Kassidy Gadson and Kailan Gadson; a devoted Co-Parent and Ex-Husband, Katharis Gadson; Five Sisters, Omeaka Robinson, Ottirra Green (Nasif), Sabrina Green, Kierra Hymes, and Kni’Lee Beckwith; Four Brothers, Marquis Green, Demonte Gilmore, Otis Green Jr., and Mark Hymes Jr.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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