SHANIKA MONAE PAYTON, affectionately known as Nika, was born on January 8, 1981, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Edgar Payton and Sheila Cunningham. In 1987, she was blessed with a loving dad, Bruce McNeil and together they created a home where Shanika grew and flourished.

Shanika enjoyed a joyful childhood filled with creativity and family. She loved poetry, singing, participating in the New Edition Marching Band, and talking family vacations to Williamsburg, Virginia. Most of all, she cherished being surrounded by those she loved. Shanika graduated from Patterson High School in 2000. She later worked at an Adult Day Care, where she served with dedication and compassion until her health began to decline.

At a young age, Shanika gave her life to Jesus Christ at New Secondary Missionary Baptist Church. In 2019, she rededicated her life at the El Shaddai Temple of Jesus Christ in Baltimore. Whenever she faced challenges or received difficult news, Shanika knew to call on the name of Jesus.  

Twenty years ago, Shanika met her partner, Kevin Harris and the two had been inseparable ever since. Kevin was also Shanika's caregiver, offering love, support and the care throughout their journey together.

Shanika shared a close and unbreakable bond with her grandmother, Cora Cunningham, a relationship that remained strong throughout her life. The wheelchair conversations between Cora and Nika will always be cherished as precious memories of their special bond.

On August 3, 2026, Shanika passed away, leaving a deep void in the hearts of all who loved her. She is preceded in death by her brother, Larue Kelsy.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Shelia Cunningham McNeil; her father, Edgar Payton; her loving dad, Bruce McNeil; her devoted partner, Kevin Harris; her sisters, Cortney (McNeil) Bowles, Arielle McNeil and Regina Morris; her brother, Edgar Payton; her brother-in-law, Marnon Bowles Jr.; her nephews, Caron Bowles, Caden Bowles, Tristan Bowles and Darius; her grandmother, Cora Cunningham; her beloved companion, Remi, who brought her countless moments of love and joy. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will forever cherish her memory.