Markeda Lenor Mims, affectionately known as “Kede,” “Ms. Kitty,” or “Phatty,” was born on July 31, 1984, in Jackson.

Born prematurely at two pounds with sickle cell anemia, Kede entered the world as a fighter. As a warrior, Markeda never allowed this illness to deter her from attaining her goals. She led a life of purpose and determination, and was an example of fortitude. Like an eagle, She soared above the storm clouds in her life, inspiring family, friends, and all that knew her.

Markeda was most admired for her astuteness, independency, strong-will, and determination. Of her many traits, she was also revered for her wittiness.

Markeda graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2002. She was a member of various school organizations; and was loved and respected by her classmates and teachers. As a testament to her character, Kede was elected homecoming queen her senior year of high school. Kede furthered her educational pursuits at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in management information systems in December 2005. Despite her health challenges, with confidence and persistence Markeda completed her degree in three years.

Markeda has been employed at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center since 2006 as a contract specialist in the ERDC Contracting Office. She was previously employed with United Way of West Central Mississippi, and the Vicksburg Police Department.

“Ms. Kitty” loved spending time with her family, traveling cross country with her aunt “Ba” to support her favorite nephew’s (“PJ” aka Biscuit) sporting events, cooking and preparing healthy cuisines (for all who dared to sample). Computer savvy, she enjoyed Internet surfing and shopping.

Memories of Markeda’s infectious and beautiful smile, quiet and soft spoken demeanor, peaceful nature and virtuosity, sweet and kindhearted spirit will be forever cherished by her mother, Felicia Mims-Kelly and stepfather, Elvin Kelly both of Vicksburg; and father Edgar Brown of Jackson; four brothers, Davon “Pop” Mims, Evann Brown, Jamie Judge, all of Vicksburg, and Martin Kelly of Blue Island, Ill.; two sisters, LaToya Darden of Dallas and Ke’Andrea Kelly of Jackson; four uncles, Nathaniel Washington of Vicksburg, Rufus Mims III, of Baton Rouge, La., and Lincoln Brown Jr., and David Brown, both of Vicksburg; five aunts, Delores Mims and Sandra Mims of Vicksburg, Jacqueline McKay Mims of Baton Rouge, Bernice Gaines of Los Angeles, and Donna Brown Jackson of Vicksburg; grandmothers, Dorothy Brown of Vicksburg, and Lizzie Kelly of Los Angeles; several nieces and nephews, to include Davon “PJ” Mims II, Aaliyah Nicole Mims, Mekhi DaShon Mims, Jaiden Hubbard, Jaylen Judge, Shaun Judge, and Haley Judge; a devoted cousin/brother Quinton “Terrell” Mims, an abundance of loving cousins, coworkers and friends including Howard “Sweet Pea” Brown and LaToya Trunell, and members of the Fletcher, Tillman, Kelly, McKay, Goodman, Davis and Wolfe Families.

Markeda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rufus “Goody” Mims Sr., Lenora “Two Bit” Washington Mims, Lincoln Brown Sr. and William Kelly; great-grandmother, Rosie “BB” Sharkey; uncle, Leroy Gaines; and three special cousins, Mishka Mims and LaQuitta Mims, and Terrance Jackson.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Lakeview Funeral Home in Vicksburg.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 1 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015, at 11a.m. at Greater Grove Street Baptist Church, 2715 Alcorn Drive, with the Rev. Steve Randle officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation in memory of Markeda Mims. Please visit www.mssicklecellfoundation.org to make your monetary donations.