J akedra began her journey of life on July 15, 1989 in Pensacola, Florida. She was the first child born to Shalonda Baldwin Smith and Andre’ Whitney, Sr. Rica (as she was affectionately called) was a faithful member of Oakfield Union Missionary Baptist Church and a devoted praise dancer with the Pastor’s Angels. She later became a faithful attendant of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Rica attended Tate High School graduating in the Class of 2007. She served her country enlisting in the U.S. Air Force where she was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho. Upon returning home, she worked for Telecris Plasma Resources until her health failed. Those who knew Rica know there was never all dull moment when she was around. There was always fun and laughter with her. She was joined in Holy matrimony to her best friend and lifelong love, Jasper Heard on May 16, 2014 and to this union a beloved son, J’Davian Heard was born. Rica was preceded in death by her father figure in life, David Thomas. Rica leaves behind to cherish her legacy of love: her compassionate and unconditionally loving husband, Jasper Heard; precious son J’Davian “Mama’s Baby” Heard; her devoted and loving mother Shalonda Smith, her caring step-father Francis Smith; father Andre’ (Shaneka) Whitney, Sr. (Houston, TX); five loving sisters Jasmine Baldwin (Tallahassee, FL), Tatiana Floyd and Janiyah Thomas (Pensacola, FL), Mya Whitney and Naja Whitney (Houston, TX); one brother Andre’ Whitney, Jr.; devoted maternal grandparents PawPaw, Howard III and My Granny Sherian Baldwin; two loving aunts Katrina (Leonard) Thomas and LaKesha (Edwin) McCovery; her maternal great-grandmother Katie Johnson; paternal great- grandmother Lillie Baldwin, seven great-aunts, eight great-uncles, a host of cousins, other family, and friends. She also had a God-daughter T’Asia Marshall and God-son Jaiden Russell whom she adored and a special friend Rosalind Rose of Houston, TX.