Ms. Tanisha Lillian Nicole Speaks

Tanisha Lillian Nicole Speaks, affectionately known as “Nicole”, was born on November 23, 1987, in West Columbia, South Carolina to Arthur Tim Speaks and the late Julia Ann Nelson. Early on the morning of April 9, 2022, she departed this earthly life.

Nicole was educated in the public school systems of Lexington and Richland Counties and was a graduate of C. A. Johnson High School. Throughout her career she worked as a Customer Service Specialist in various call centers.

Nicole battled Systemic Lupus, but she never lost her infectious smile or questioned her diagnosis. Instead, she was full of affection and love for everyone.

Nicole was a member of the Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. As a child, she participated in the Little Flock. Many knew her for greeting and embracing fellow church members after services. She enjoyed listening to the choir and fellowshipping with the saints.

Nicole loved children, just as her mother did. It was not unusual for her to have two or three children with her. She also loved her siblings dearly. When she became a mother her daughter, Madicyn, received that same love.

In addition to her mother, Nicole was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Hattie Mae Nelson; paternal grandparents, Arthur and Lillian Jenkins Speaks; uncle, Nathan “Nik” Sands; aunts, Marylin Wise Sands and Rebecca Gurin-Sands; maternal great-grandfather, Joseph Alexander Sands, Jr.; and paternal great-grandparents, Lucius and Wilhelmenia Robinson Speaks.

Nicole leaves to treasure her memories her loving daughter, Madicyn Brielle Speaks of the home; father, Arthur Tim (Veronica) Speaks of Columbia, SC; five sisters, Diedre L. Speaks of Ladson, SC, Tariqua R. Bennett, Shaniyah L. Thompson, Mariah Speaks and Jessica Speaks all of Columbia, SC; four brothers, Tyrone L. Speaks of Columbia, SC, Lovell Thompson and Timothy Speaks both of Columbia, SC, and Xavier Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC; uncles, Tyrone Sands of Gaston, SC and SSGT (Ret.) Stacy (Stephanie) Sands of Fayetteville, NC, Terrance Speaks of Columbia, SC and Lucius (Monica) Speaks of Houston, TX; aunt, Tanya Speaks of West Columbia, SC; devoted mentor, Tracy Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Although her soft voice and smile will be missed, there is peace in knowing she is resting and no longer in pain.

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