Nakiva Howard

Nakiva Michelle Howard, 46, was called home to the Lord on September 10, 2025.

Born in Paterson, NJ, on September 19, 1978, she was the daughter of William Wilson Jr. and the late Barbara Howard.

After receiving her high school diploma, she went on to work the majority of her life as a CNA. Nakiva attended House of Judah Ministries Church. In her free time, she loved to play cards, travel, and spend time with friends, family, and especially her grandchildren. People who knew her would describe her as a loving, independent, fierce woman, whose passion and drive will be cherished by everyone who knew her.

In addition to her mother, Nakiva was preceded in death by her grandmother, Dorothy Howard.

Surviving to cherish her memory is grandmother, Ruby Wilson; father, William Wilson Jr.; sons, Kazmere Howard and Quamere Howard; sisters, Tawanda Howard, Shakeena Howard, Markuita Howard and Jessica Wilson; brother, William Wilson III; Granddaughters, Kaylani Pursel, Kaliyah Pursel, and Jenaliya Encarnacion; nieces and nephews, Latyrah DeJesus, Tiyanna Howard, Tasheerah Howard, Amirah Howard, Khaliyah Howard, Nymere Howard, Marquis Howard, Kamryn Howard, Aniyah Williamson, Brielle Wilson, William Wilson IV; as well as aunts, uncles, and many more.

A viewing will be held on September 19 from 6PM-8PM at the funeral home, 465 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. A homegoing service will be held at Apostolic Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church on Saturday the 20th, 278 Colley St, Hanover, from 10:30-12:30, with Pastor Rodney Harrayway officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Services have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Wilkes-Barre.