Whether it was with videos on TikTok or just being herself around the neighborhood, Tyshea Howard knew how to light up a room. She was usually the center of attention—but in a way that made the people around her feel seen, included and loved.
“We’re at the supermarket, and this girl yells, ‘Ain’t you TikTok Queen?’” said her mother, Rasheeda Carson. “She always knew how to have a good time and was dancing.”
A true sweetheart of her block, Tyshea was the type of friend who always showed up.
“She would give you the shirt off her back and not even second guess it,” said her sister, Rasheedah Roane.
Tyshea was born and raised near 16th and Diamond, where everybody knew her. No matter what she was going through, she never let her circumstances dim her light. She made it a point to show love to others and welcomed people with open arms.
“She never had enemies and was always making friends wherever she was,” said Rakiyah Howard, another sister. “Tyshea was a hard worker. We used to joke with her, ‘Girl, are you ever off?’ She kept multiple jobs.”
Tyshea was committed to taking care of herself and the people she loved. She worked at a nursing home, did housekeeping, and also picked up shifts at the local supermarket. No job was too small—what mattered most was keeping her family safe and provided for.
One of eight siblings, Tyshea grew up with a strong sense of togetherness. She was always by her brothers’ and sisters’ sides, and they moved through the world like a unit. “We were always together—you didn’t see one without one of us,” said her sister.
That kind of love extended beyond her immediate family. Tyshea had a way of making everyone feel like family from day one. She was bold, outspoken, and had a way of saying things that stuck with you.
“She would tell you she didn’t like what you’re doing in the nicest way,” her sister said.
But nothing brought her more joy than being a mother to her three children. She loved her kids with her whole heart and worked hard to make sure they were happy, healthy, and loved. “She would constantly say, ‘Mom, I’m coming to get my kids,’” her mother said.
Raising three kids on her own wasn’t always easy, but Tyshea never let it show. She moved through the chaos with grace, humor, and the kind of strength that only comes from deep love. Her kids were her purpose.
Tyshea was the kind of friend you could call at any time, knowing she’d be there. Whether she was helping elders on the block or standing up for someone who needed a voice, she had a heart as big as her presence.
One early morning, a friend called her for help. Tyshea didn’t hesitate—she never did. That moment of kindness would tragically become her last. She was taken from her family around 4 a.m. on the 2200 block of North Chadwick Street.
When faced with adversity, Tyshea didn’t fold. She grew. She worked harder. She gave more. And through all of it, she continued to be a great mother, a loyal friend, and a constant source of love to everyone around her.
Her family continues to hold her close, even in loss. They shared these words:
“I love you and miss you so much. May Allah make your grave spacious, fill it with light and mercy, and grant you the highest level of Jannah. You’re always in my heart and my prayers,” said Rakiyah.
“Aye sis, I can’t believe you left us. I miss you so much. Save me a spot next to you. I love you. Keep watching over us,” said her sister.
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