Ni-Keya M. Garland

Ni-Keya Monet Garland, 46, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Staunton.

She was born August 4th, 1978, In New York, New York.

At a very early age she and her mother, Terrie, relocated to Staunton where Ni-Keya became a lifelong resident and proudly raised her children amongst family and friends.

She was known for her beautiful spirit, contagious laugh, fierce loyalty, generosity, and compassion.

Throughout her life, she forged bonds and built friendships that meant so much to so many that would last a lifetime. She created indelible memories and left lasting impressions on all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Ni-Keya considered becoming a mother to her daughters, Paris "Shugg" and Nyoka "Stink", her proudest achievement and greatest blessing. She was devoted to providing, protecting, and loving them deeply and unconditionally every moment of every day. Ni-Keya possessed a natural ability to connect with children and made time in her day to have fun with everyone’s kids and be a kid at heart.

Her love and devotion extended to every member of her family. Even when she had little, she gave generously. She celebrated with them in joyful times and stood by their side through the difficult ones. And if Ni-Keya ever whipped up a gourmet miracle meal out of thin air for you, you knew without a doubt that she cared.

Ni-Keya's second love was food. As a child, she’d pretend to be a cook. She would make concoctions out of mud, grass, rocks, and whatever other “ingredients” she could find. It was no surprise when she decided to pursue a career in culinary arts. Food was her love language. She used her pots, pans, and hands to speak for her heart. She took great pride in her abilities as a chef and made her passion her life’s work.

Outside of her passion for food, she was an employee of the Valley Mission in Staunton where she served her community, made a daily impact on others, and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Not only did she provide the residents with exceptional meals, but she also offered a listening ear and a place of refuge. She will be tremendously missed by the residents and staff of the Valley Mission.

She was multifaceted and multi-talented and loved learning new things and embracing new experiences. She had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and if there was a beat she liked, you could find her on the dance floor.

She will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by her daughters, Paris, affectionately known as “Shugg” and Nyoka, affectionately known as “Stink”; her sister, Olivia Garland; her son, Keldon Napier; her favorite and only nephew, Jace, affectionately known as “Poppa”; her aunt, Patricia Gray Aunt and Olivia Ross (Hunter Ross); her uncle, Anthony Smith; the loving father of Paris, Alonzo Smith; a brother and sister, Nyoka and Keldon; devoted friends, Tyneisha Chisley and Natasha Brailsford; and a host of other friends and family, too many to count.

Ni-Keya was welcomed into heaven by her mother, Terrie Garland; her maternal grandmother, Eula Mae Garland; her uncle, Donnell Garland; and her aunt, Sylvia Breckenridge.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery in Staunton with Reverend Tim McIntosh officiating.

Friends and family are encouraged to wear green in Ni-Keya’s honor.

A repass will be held at Montgomery Hall Park (1000 Montgomery Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401) immediately following the service.

The family welcomes flowers, gift cards, donations, and all forms of support as they navigate this difficult time and begin to process their loss.