Erica Nakia

Mayes

Erica Nakia (Nikki) Mayes was born on December 14, 1974, the firstborn child of Eric E. Willis and Deborah E. Willis.

 Erica joined Mount Ephraim Baptist Church at an early age, and she loved singing in the choir. Erica attended school in the DeKalb County School District. As a young adult, Erica married the late Roosevelt Mayes; they had 6 children. As a young mother, Erica learned the importance of education; she returned to school and earned her GED. Erica worked various jobs to support her family, including work in the food industry, retail sales, and cosmetics. The cosmetics industry piqued Erica’s interest and led her to create her own line of Body butters and soaps. Erica's business was successful, but her passion was in literature. Erica loved writing novels; after joining several Authors' book groups, her passion for writing met her purpose. Erica became a successful published author, writing 14 novels over the years as Author Black Diamond.

In 2018, Erica joined Dollz of Faith. A sisterhood that embraced her, supported her business endeavors, and inspired her to become an entrepreneur.

In 2018, Erica joined Ladies On the Potters Wheel (LOTPW), where she was embraced with love and the Peace of the Heavenly Father. The ministry became a home of comfort through prayer, Bible study, laughter, and an enormous amount of Love and patience. During this journey, Erica was diagnosed with health complications, and LOTPW embraced her with a love that got her through many hard days and nights. They shared tears, laughter, prayers, words of encouragement, and most importantly, love.

Erica was gifted another chance at love by meeting Emmanuel Miller. Emmanuel showed Erica what unconditional love was. He walked into Erica’s life when she was vibrant and healthy, and he became her backbone when her health began to decline. Emmanuel stood by Erica's side through her darkest hours throughout this journey called life. Over the years, their love and commitment made them an example of Til Death Do Us Part.

Erica was the Mother of 6 children, whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by two of her sons. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband; her parents; her sister; her sons; her daughters; her grandchildren; and a Host of relatives and friends.