Obituary of Nia Malikka Matthews

Nia Matthews was a caring mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She left this world on March 14, 2021 at age 45. Her battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed her courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Nia came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. Nia was born April 24, 1975, in Gary, Indiana, to Gloria Henderson and Larry Matthews. From a young age, Nia was a prissy sassy little diva. As a child, Nia enjoyed going to Dairy Queen with her cousin Janal Kinsey and cherished the memory of seeing her first play, "Jack and the Beanstalk", on a school field-trip with her mom. After Nia graduated from Hinkley High School in Aurora she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from The university of Phoenix and her Master's from the university of Walden. She completed her education pursuing a Master's degree from Walden while raising her daughters, Darrian and Jordan. Nia imparted on her girls the importance and value of education and empathy. Nia's strong desire to care for and help others led to a career in human services, most recently working as a Vocational Counselor at Mental Health Center of Denver. Nia's legacy of helping others is being continued as her daughters follow in her footsteps by sharing her passion for work in healthcare. Nia's pride was in her family. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Nia. She loved time with family at bbq's, concerts, traveling and shopping. Being extremely creative, Nia had an amazing ability to decorate and made beautiful candles and body products under her business Malikka Naturals. Nia was a fashionista with an eye for the sharpest purses and shoes. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met, especially her best friends Marla Pendleton and Khailia Staten. Nia is survived by her mother, Gloria; daughters & step-daughter Darrian, Jordan, and Zadia, sister, Kaylan; niece, Kaior Wheelock, aunt, Carolyn Kinsey, and a host of family and friends. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Nia during her short time on this earth, among them: "Make the most of every moment you're given in life". "Cherish your loved ones while you still have them". "Style and humor will take you a long way in life". "Kindness is the most important trait a human can possess" and "Always help others if given the chance". Nia will be fiercely missed by her community, and forever remembered for her dedication to live life to the fullest.