Nyjeda Sanders

Nyjeda Sanders, also known as Stoniee Rozay, 20 years of age, left this world unexpectedly and passed away on June 30th, 2019. She was born on August 13, 1998 in Phoenix, Arizona, grew up in the Phoenix area, and later attended Medford Central High in Oregon.

Jeda is the beloved daughter of Bobby Sanders and Christy Maddock, and also a loved granddaughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her parents Bobby Sanders and Christy Maddock: her grandparents; Dennis and Carolyn Davis, Deborah Cassidy and Lonnie Dubois; and Donald Maddock: her brother; Quincy Maddock: and Bobby’s family; wife Tiffany and children; Haley (24), Bryan (22), Tianna (19), Alazy (15), Shaunna (13), Isiah (13), Noah (10), Neveah (10), Isacc (9), and Jordan (9): and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jeda will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a contagious smile that could light up the world. She was the definition of fun and silliness. She enjoyed being with her friends, laughing and telling gossip, and from the time she started talking it was widely known that she couldn’t keep a secret. She was funny, outgoing, and vivacious, and she was also a person fiercely loyal to her friends and family – didn’t always agree with them but she was loyal. She wanted nothing more than to have a wonderful life. When you think of Jeda, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.

If she could tell us anything, it would be this:

I gotta tell you, this came as a total surprise to me, but apparently I have passed away. They told me it would happen one day, but that’s simply not something I was ready for, much less prepared to experience. Once again I didn’t get things my way! That’s the story of my life.

I loved art and fashion and enjoyed music and dancing. And you know, I have some good memories to take with me but I really wasn’t finished yet. I was proud when I graduated and I always loved fashion and modeling. I thought I could do that someday, that maybe it was more than just a dream – but dreams are always a good place to start.

This would probably be a good time to mend some fences. Mom would probably say I was horrible at keeping my room neat, actually she probably has a long list of normal things I wasn’t good at and I apologize for all of that. I apologize to my brother Quincy for whatever, who knows, there was probably a lot of whatever. That’s it, anyone else will have to get in line they said I had to keep this short.

I don’t even want to start talking about boyfriends and falling in love. Maybe I dodged a bullet there. But I knew love, the great love of family and friends; a long, deep, irreplaceable love that will go with me wherever my journey leads. I have many treasures, not lost but held forever in the heart.

I admit, I may not have always been the best at everything but you should see my participation trophy, it’s awesome. And if you don’t believe it, just ask me. Oh wait, I’m afraid it’s too late for questions. Sorry.

So I was born, I blinked; and it was over and I am thankful that I was baptized the summer before this happened. No, don’t worry about me-I’m in a better place now, No, no buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor. But I did have a chance to know and love each and every friend as well as my family members. How much more blessed can a person be.

So, in the end, remember…do your best, follow your path, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling. Of course, that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but you know me…it’s what I do.

So, I leave this place… please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. Okay, maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away, but today I’m happy and I’m dancing –

probably naked.

Love you forever.

Jeda xoxoxo

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home at 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona.

Followed by Funeral Services from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.