Anika Chanel Thornton

Anika Chanel Thornton, of New Castle, PA, was the mother of Kay-oni Johnson. She was born on February 12, 1987. She was the daughter of Nichelle “Nikki” Thornton- Fitzpatrick and Cedric Hawkins. Anika graduated high school in 2005 from Lawrence County Vocational-Technical School. She also attended CCAC and persued the job core Pittsburgh division. Anika was an employee of UPMC Avalon and a member of St. Paul Baptist Church.

Anika had an outgoing spirit. A feisty bumblebee trapped within her 4’9” stature, Anika made friends with all who connected with her. She loved to dance and have fun. Anika loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her cousins. She enjoyed spending time with her 11-year- old son who she affectionately called Kay. They would go to the beach and loved watching movies together.

Anika was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ruby L. and Eddie B. Miles, and her uncle Eric V. Hawkins. Her maternal grandmother, Brenda J. Johnson-Talley, her great-grandfather V.J. Johnson, and uncle David Talley.

Along with her son Kay-oni, Anika will be greatly missed by her parents. Her sisters; Jaylynn Thornton- Gardner, Audrey C. Hawkins, and Jayden E. Hawkins-all from New Castle, PA. Her Aunt Barbara Armstrong from North Carolina. Uncles; Jayson( Maki) Thornton of Maryland, Charles L. Hawkins of Florida, Roger Hawkins, and John Hawkins both of New Castle. Anika will be sorely missed by her cousins Jon-Jon and Tj Rice, and a host of cousins, friends and extended family. Kay-oni will always love and remember his mother as the Nubian Queen he believed she was.

Visitation is Thursday from 12pm to 1pm at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S. Mill St.

Visitors are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines regarding the wearing of facemasks and using social distancing.

A Homegoing Service will be held on Thursday at 1pm at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Vincent C. Davis Sr., New Creation Bible Fellowship from Warren, OH.