Natakianika "Nikki" Anderson was born November 25th 1958, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base in Oceanside, California. She was the joy of new parents Tayarikondo and Tamu Kuanda. She was nothing but big cheeks and smiles. You can best believe that characterized her throughout her entire life.
In March of 1960, this little family plus one, (her new baby brother Shaka), moved back to their hometown Detroit, Michigan. Nikki's childhood was filled with plus one additions, 5 times more she became another child's big sister as she was the first of seven. Although she had a quiet mild spirit, she had no problem straightening you out when you crossed that line.
Nikki enjoyed baking, sewing, making jewelry with her mother, and going to summer camp. Listening to records on her little psycodelic contact paper covered phonograph; the Jackson 5, Al Green, and reading "Right On!" magazine was her pastime pleasure. Out of all the games that kids played she liked tag, and jumping rope. But "JACKS" was her thing! I mean that girl could play some jacks, using two packs of jacks and never missing a beat. You'd be sitting there awaiting your turn for what seemed like hours, she wasn't getting out. Basically you were just being taught and entertained by watching her work.
She received her formal education at Detroit Public Schools; Macculloch Elementary, Drew Jr. High, and Cody High , where she excelled academically. Shortly thereafter, she became a teenage mother.
In October 1976, She gave birth to her handsome baby boy (Shaka). Lavishing him with all the love and warmth as only a mother could. College had to be put on the back burner. So this young mother went to work as a Nurses Aide at Nightingale West Nursing Facility.
In October 1979 she gave birth to her baby girl, her lil twin (LaDonna). Nikki pushed herself to manage motherhood and work. Five years after the birth of her precious daughter and with the full support of her family, she and her children moved to East Lansing, Michigan where she attended MSU and obtained her Associate's Degree in Business.
Upon graduating Nikki moved back home to Detroit where she juggled various jobs and caring for her children. In October 1994 Nikki gave birth her second handsome baby boy (Roger). Again this hard working mother met the challenges of caring for a newborn and holding down various jobs; some with very demanding hours.
Finally in 1997, she procured a position as a Linehaul Operator (bus driver) at SMART. She discovered within herself a renewed sense of purpose and this filled her with joy. She wasn't your average bus driver she was a Professional Coach Operator. Everyone there loved her outgoing, caring, warm, sunshine personality especially her passengers. She was a very industrious employee up until she retired in 2011.
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! The spring of 2003 came and unsuspectingly love was in the air. Nikki was reunited with the love of her life Dwight Anderson. Oh, what a happy time it was for the two. It had been years since they had seen one another. They picked up right where they left off, as if they'd never parted. Only this time they had maturity and its wisdom on their side. She happily accepted his proposal of marriage, they were wedded on June 26, 2004. They shared many good times raising Roger, going fishing, perusing casinos, taking road trips, watching westerns, just spending that quality time together. Without a doubt she was a very capable and virtuous wife. God, in His word, describes her best in Proverbs 31:10-31. She will truly be missed by many.
Cherishing her memory are: her loving and devoted husband, Dwight K. Anderson, her children; Shaka K. Kuanda, LaDonna S. Kuanda, Roger C. Woods Jr., her grandchildren; Brandon Booker, Purity Kuanda, Jayden Kuanda, Daniel Kuanda, her father, Tayarikondo Kuanda; her mother, Tamu Kuanda, her mother in law, Amanda Anderson; her brothers; Shaka Kuanda, Kwame Kuanda (Sandra), Shango Kuanda (Michele), and Tayari Kuanda (Teri); her sisters Tiyani Sanders (Jeffrey), and Ayana McCowen (Keith); her sisters-in-law, Josephine "Josie" Henyard (Ronald), Joyce Allen, and Jeanette Anderson; her nieces, nephews, along with step children and a host of other relatives and friends.
