Sonia Nelson

Sonia Helena Nelson, respectfully known as “Queen Takiyah”, was born on March 5, 1953, in the Sterling district of Westmorland, Jamaica, West Indies. Sonia was the 3rd of 5 children, born to Myrtle M. Brown, and the late Maricus Ishmael Nelson.  Sonia Helena Nelson passed on Friday, July 16th, 2021, at 2:38 p.m.

During her formative years in Jamaica, she attended Grange Hill Primary School, where she excelled in academics to the extent of obtaining a scholarship to the prestigious Mannings High School.  In addition to academics, at Mannings she was taught vital, lifelong lessons in social etiquette and manners.

At the age of 15 years, she migrated from Jamaica to the United States. Even as a teenager, Sonia was a devout Christian, both back home in Jamaica and in America at the New Testament Church of God. Oftentimes she participated and helped in all aspects of the church. She sang in the choir, prayed for the sick in the hospitals on Saturdays with other church members, and performed administrative duties with the Pastor.

She attended G.W. Wingate High School in Brooklyn. She graduated early and went on to City College of New York, where she majored in Nursing and minored in Chemistry.  She later changed her major to education but kept her minor in Chemistry-because of her aversion (dead bodies) to corpses. During her time at City College aka CCNY, she was involved in many extracurricular activities including Student government, The Caribbean Association, and African Dance.

It was during this time that two life-changing events took place in Sonia's life. First, she delved into her roots and culture, found Rastafari, and emerged the true queen that she is: Queen Takiyah. Second, serving on the Caribbean Association- putting together various shows and performances- Sonia had her first stage Performance, along with Chaka, Angela, and Sister Carol. That gave birth to the "Cultural Edu-tainer" that has educated and entertained us all over the world for decades.

Over the years Queen Takiyah has touched lives all over the world both young and old; All races in all stages of life. She left behind her mother, Myrtle M. Nelson, Four Siblings: Brother Wrichley, Sister Claire, Sister Jelieth, Sister Evett; Four Children: Daughter Nyamkah, Daughter Shyrekah, Daughter Fana, and Daughter Kamilah. She also leaves behind Seven Grandchildren: Granddaughter Jahniya, Grandson Jahmari, Granddaughter Mia, Grandson Adom Selassie, Grandson Omar, Grandson Kamell, Granddaughter Kamiah. Sonia has 13 nieces and nephews; 19 grandnieces and grandnephews; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She has always had a way with young people and young people always gravitated to her. She always offered words of encouragement, a safe place for freedom of expression and a lot of education.

She will be missed by all!