Anika Crittendon

The sun rose on the life of Anika Denise Crittendon, on August 1, 1975, in Denver, Colorado, born to her parents, Diana Crittendon and Willie Ray. Anika was raised by her loving grandmother, Rose Ray from birth until her grandmother passed away when Anika was 21 years old. The moment Anika's grandmother saw her, she said, "She was as small as a Peanut," leaving her with the name, "Peanut." Anika and her grandmother, Rose, had a special inseparable bond. As a young child, Anika accepted Christ and was baptized at Cure d'Ars Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado. Anika received her high school diploma from the Emily Griffin Opportunity School, in Denver. She continued her education at the Community College of Denver, majoring in Social Work and graduating with a certificate in Medical Records. She was an active member of Sister to Sister, and Black Student Alliance. Anika, while attending classes in social work, interned at the Edna Oliver Childcare Center, eventually landing a full time position there. Anika had many different skills. She enjoyed interacting with different individuals as a Courtesy Clerk at King Soopers for 5 years. Later, she worked as a Medical Records Clerk at the Lowry Air Force Base. Anika had a beautiful compassionate spirit and was known for helping others. She would help anyone she came into contact with. No matter if it was clothing them, feeding them, or giving someone a place to stay. Anika would even give someone her last dollar. Anika loved to eat; one of her favorite places was "The Original Chubby's." She loved a variety of music; her favorite artists were Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Tupac Shakur, E-40 and Snoop Dogg. Anika's life became more fulfilling when she became the mother to her son, Deja' Von Ty' Shawn Crittendon in 2000, and in 2004, she gave birth to her daughter, A'Naya Renee Crittendon. Anika loved spending quality time and shopping for hours with her children. Deja' Von and A'Naya's favorite memory of their mother was their family trip to Disney World. Anika is preceded in death by her parents, Diana Crittendon and Willie Ray; and her grandmother, Rose Ray. The sunset on Anika's life on April 2, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. She leaves to cherish her memory, her two children, Deja' Von Ty' Shawn Crittendon and A'Naya Renee Crittendon both of Denver; her sisters, Jacci Arkadie of Denver, Rita "Becky" (Eric) Hatch of Denver, Marlene "Lil' Bit" Martin of Aurora; her godchildren, Ahjamond, Tenyshun, Ma' Taiya' and Deculeon; and her loving nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/11/2017 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/11/2017 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 4/11/2017 - Interment Following the Service St. Simeon Cemetery - 22001 Colorado 30 Aurora, CO