Anika A Stevens

Anika A. Stevens

Sunrise: January 6, 1975 - Sunset: August 19, 2021

“You might as well get the best”. If you knew Anika (more commonly known as “Tia”), you knew that she always wanted the best. Not only the best for herself, but the best for her loved ones. At the very young age of 25, she took on the huge responsibility of taking care of her siblings after the passing of her mother, Sonia Samuels. She was resourceful and a fighter. After years of fighting, she was called home to eternally rest on August 19, 2021 at the age of 46.

Tia was born on January 6, 1975 in Kingston, Jamaica, as the first child of the late Sonia Samuels and Bert Stevens. She was brought to America when she was 6 years old and attended school in Stamford, CT. She eventually went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was married in 2000 to Jose Cruz and had her first two beautiful girls Aaliyah Cruz and Taylor Cruz. She then went on to meet her now deceased fiance, Steven Wynn, and have two more gorgeous girls: Idalis Wynn and Tareesa Wynn. Tia was a free spirit and loved fiercely. She loved music and dancing. In her younger days, she aspired to be a female MC and was an avid writer. When she arrived at an event, everyone knew because she was such joy to be around. Just a quick smile from Tia could brighten up anyone’s day. Her charisma will live on in her children, siblings, and everyone who were blessed to have known her.

Tia was preceded in death by her parents: Sonia Samuels, Bert Stevens; daughter: Crystal Cruz; and her fiance Steven Wynn.

In addition to her charisma, her love and legacy will live on through her wonderful children: Aaliyah Cruz, Taylor Cruz, Idalis Wynn, and Tareesa Wynn; her grandchildren: Emory Stephenson and Andrew Stephenson; her siblings: Akeem Pottinger; Ayana Naidu, Somali Samuels, and Semhar Samuels; her nieces and nephews: Kennedy Francis, Aiden Naidu, Alexa Naidu, and Khalif Francis; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins with special mention of her aunt who she considered special to her heart Vivienne Daley aka Auntie V.