Dear Family friends and guest, Nia Sequoia Townsend was the daughter of Jacqueline Satterwhite Richardson Lee and Calvin Richardson. Unfortunately, Calvin Richardson passed shortly before Nia was born. Nia was born April 27, 1975, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Along came a force that would change the world and everyone she touched. Several years later Jacqueline remarried. Little did Nia know she would gain two sisters. The older sister Mary Mahoney-Riggins who became her protector, and the rock of the trio. Iena Rodriguez, the baby of the group who's strong and independent but always looked to her big sisters for approval. Nia attended Simon Gratz High School and graduated in 1993. During her four years at Simon Gratz High School, she was the manager of the #1 boys' basketball team in the country. Although, she met the love of her life Arley Townsend earlier in her life, God needed them to grow and prepare for a love they both could not imagine. After graduating from Simon Gratz High School, she attended Benedict College in South Carolina. During her time at Benedict, Nia meets her college love Damon Wheeler who brought her an amazing son. Damon Shawn Wheeler Jr. The love of her life. Nia was loved by many, and she kept in contact with people even from school age years. She remembered everyone; her love was endless to those she cared about. However, you knew if you did not fall into that category. Determination, hard work, and dedication can only express a smidgen of what Nia offered to the companies she worked with. She worked her way up through each company she became a part of. Nia was beyond smart and business savvy. There was nothing she couldn't accomplish when she put her mind to it, and nothing could get in her way. As she continued to grow within her career, God reunited her with her one true love on July 1, 2022, when Nia married the love of her life Arley Townsend. They both matured into who they needed to be for each other; their love was stronger than ever. Mrs. Townsend was the happiest she had been in years. This was the first time in her life you could see her feel safe, loved, and felt she could let her guard down. Art meant the world to Nia, this was the one person who she would listen to. Their love allowed her to slow down just enough to appreciate the little things in life. Art has been and will always be the love of her life. He has not left her side since they were married. Unfortunately, November 23, 2023, Nia had unforeseen medical complications. On the day after anniversary death of her mother Jacqueline. Nia was rushed to the hospital. She received acute medical intervention thanks to her husband's quick ability to seek medical assistance. Nia had an extraordinary determination to return. For a few hours to let her husband Art, sister Mary, brother-in-law Eric know not to worry she would be okay. Although Nia's relentless fight to stay with her family, she had complications. God had other plans for Nia, indicating job well done. Nia was joined by her mother Jacqueline Richardson, father Calvin Richardson and Emma Daisy

and Getter Mitch Satterwhite with open arms on November 30, 2023, while she was peacefully surrounded by family. Nia was loved and will be missed by many. Nia leaves to mourn her: Husband: Arley Townsend. Son: Damon Shaw Wheeler Jr. Stepsons: Arley Townsend Jr, and Fassir Townsend. Stepdaughters: Daine McKnight, Monique Bennett, and Kiara Townsend. Grandchildren: Paityn Sequoia Wheeler, Elliana Wheeler, Mason Wheeler, James McKnight, Devin McKnight, Malik McKnight, Nyakkay McKnight and Salita Roger. Siblings: Iena A. Rodriguez, Mary Mahoney Riggins, Brother in laws: Eric Riggins, Ulysses Rodriguez Nieces and Nephews: Krystopher Rainey, Amir Gainey, Ulysses Vicente Rodriguez Jr., Laylani Iena Rodriguez, Ebony Riggins, Maya Riggins, Morgan Clarke, Akkash Rainey. Along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that have become family.