On June 11, 1982, Shanika Nicole Nelson made her entrance into the world, and into the loving arms of her parents, Rosanna Nelson Copes and the late Varice Cho Coleman.

Shanika, who was simply known Nicole to most, never met a stranger. She lived her life full of love, family, and friends. Shanika was always there for her family and friends no matter when or where. Shanika was a very warm-hearted person, with a loving spirit and a smile that would melt your heart. Shankia was reared by her Great Aunt Rose Nelson Hardy January, also known as Granny to everyone. Shanika knew how to be an awesome friend and was always there just when you needed her. Shanika was a fantastic aunt to all of her nieces and nephews.

Shanika knew how to enjoy life and never let anything keep her down. In her words, she knew how to shake back. Shanika had the spirit of a giver, she would give you the her last if you were in need and would be happy because she was able to help you smile. Shanika also knew how to comfort or console anyone who was down. She knew just was to say to shake you back! Shanika loved to travel or as she would say hit the road. Always ready to experience something new and travel to places she had never been.

Shanika accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of The Reverend Elmore Garner. Later in life, after traveling with her Best Friend to many Church events and meetings, she decided to join her friend The Reverend Alvin John Rideaux at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Reverend Allen J. Williams, Jr. In August 2022, Shanika rededicated her life to God and made a decision to be Baptized.

She was preceded in death by her father, Varice Cho Coleman, Grandmother Alice Landry, Grandfather James J.C. Nelson, Great Aunt
Rose Nelson Hardy January.