Ny’Riyah Copes

Nyzara Copes was born on February 8, 2025, and from the very moment she entered this world, we knew she was special. She didn’t cry like most newborns—no, not our Ny’Riyah. She arrived with her signature sass, letting out one loud grunt instead of a cry, her curious eyes wide open, scanning the room as if to say, “I’m here, and I’m watching.” I remember her mother, Nadirah, panicking, wondering why her baby wasn’t crying. And I said, “Dirah, it’s okay. She’s fine. She’s looking dead in my face.” From that moment on, we knew—Ny’Riyah wasn’t a typical baby. She carried a quiet strength, a bold spirit, and a presence that filled every room.

Her face was delicate and angelic. She was always so alert—watching, learning, taking everything in. She tried to do everything early—lifting her little head, holding her bottle, rolling over. She was inquisitive, constantly grabbing things with her tiny fingers, babbling in her own unique language. And oh, that laugh—her loud, joyful, screaming laugh that filled our hearts with pure joy. It was wild, unexpected, and so completely her. I’ve never known a baby to just randomly scream-laugh—but she did. And it became one of the most beautiful sounds we’ve ever heard.

In the short time she was here, Ny’Riyah brought immeasurable joy. She changed us. She brought light, laughter, and reminded us to slow down and savor every single moment. She was our spoiled little princess—and we loved every minute of spoiling her. She was especially adored by her big brother, Ny’Vadius, who watched over her with a heart full of love and protectiveness.

Though her time on Earth was far too short, the impact she left behind is everlasting. It’s as if God sent her to us knowing we needed her smile, her spirit, and her light. And even though we desperately wanted her to stay, we now have to accept that God needed her back. Maybe He needed an angel who could make Him laugh with that screaming giggle, or a curious soul to brighten His presence.

Ny’Riyah was welcomed into heaven by her maternal grandmother, Angela Copes and her uncle, Kijana Che` Bent Jr, who we know are holding her close now. She leaves behind a village who loves her deeply: her devoted mother, Nadirah Copes, and her father, Quawee Jones. Her siblings: Ny’Zirah, Ny’Kirah, Ny’Shirah Gantz, Ny’Vadius, Tyquan Jones, and Quawee Johnson. Her maternal great-grandmother, Yvonne Copes. Her grandfather, Kenneth Gray. Her paternal grandmother, Thelma Bullock, and paternal grandfather, Steven Echols. Her loving aunts and uncles: Amirah Taylor, Jessica Gray, Kenneth Gray Jr., Kenneth Gray, Chelsea Gray, Achilles Gray, and Rashawn Jones. Her cousins: Ashanti, Kayani, Saariyah, Kimora, Kimani, Kenneth, Pierre, Maximus, and Ahmir. Her godparents, Elsy Fernandez and Digna (Mima) Aguiar, along with countless other family members and friends who will forever carry her in their hearts.

Ny’Riyah Nyzara Copes, you were loved beyond words and are missed beyond measure. Thank you for gracing our lives with your presence, for showing us joy in its purest form, and for reminding us of the beauty in the smallest things.

We will carry your light with us—always.Rest peacefully, sweet baby girl.