Nia Simone Ratcliff

Loving, Free-Spirited, and Courageous! Nia Simone Ratcliff was born on September 25, 2006 in Alpharetta, Georgia to Robyn Rochelle Ratcliff and Antoin Lewis. Nia was the apple of her father's eye and the only precious diamond in her mother's jewelry box of love. Thus, she was a happy child. She loved playing with her siblings, cousins, and friends. She was a pleasant person to be around and respectful to all, especially her elders.

Nia's name means "purpose" and that is how she lived her life, with complete intention! She was a Powerhouse, an outstanding sprinter on her Overton High School's track team, playing strategically on the soccer team, and serving as one of the managers of the basketball team. She was doing it all as she worked her way up in employment from Baskin Robbins to Panera Bread, and finally to Walmart - all while just a junior in high school. A young lady on Fire!!! That was Nia! A trailblazer with goals of getting a barber's and a mortician's licenses. She had monumental aspirations as Nia was preparing to make application to Clark Atlanta University where she expected to not only be accepted but to get a Track and Field scholarship as well. Enterprising, exceptional, unique, and uplifting are just a few dynamic words her track team members and coaches used to describe her. She was also said to be "sassy" and "nonchalant", and some spoke of her duality and complexity saying that Nia was "grateful" and "mean but a sweetheart at the same time." Such honest descriptions are testaments of the love she gave and received in life. Nia was moving mountains!

While everyone who knew her knew that she always did her best, her family always knew that Nia was more than that, she is OUR best!!! At home Nia helped her mother around the house and at work, and she regularly checked in on her great grandparents. Nia was a protective big cousin and sister. She was inquisitive, loved to travel, and she always looked forward to visiting her family in Gary, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois.

Nia taught us a lot about "being on purpose" as she shared her opinions and discussions on social conscience issues dealing with black youth today. She was our epitome of Excellence. Powerful!! As a fashionista, Nia’s style was one hundred percent on point! She kept up with the latest clothes, purses, hair styles and colors. Her mother laughs at Nia’s large collection of “gym shoes” saying that, Nia was a “fanatic” over those shoes!

Being kindhearted and full of energy, Nia believed that God is the source and the strength of ALL life. She accepted Christ at a very young age and never departed from it.

On December 27, 2022, Nia Simone was called home to be with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted mother Robyn Rochelle (Memphis, Tn), loving father Antoin Lewis (Gary, In), maternal grandfather Edward N. Ratcliff (Oxnard, Calif), paternal grandmother Angela Green (Gary In), maternal great grandparents Edward E. and Betty A. Ratcliff (Memphis Tn), maternal great grandmother Rochelle Brydie (Chicago, Il), five paternal siblings (Antrease, Antoin, Jr, Amiya, Jayda, and Jamarrion), five uncles, two aunts, and a host of great aunts & uncles, and cousins.

Visitation- Friday, January 6, 2023 at Annointed Temple of Praise from 4:00-6:00PM 3939 Riverdale Road Memphis TN 38115

Service- Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Annointed Temple of Praise at 11:00AM 3939 Riverdale Road Memphis TN 38115