With deep sorrow and immense love, we announce the passing of Tiequela Lewis Young, a remarkable woman who lived her life with strength, grace, and boundless love. Tiequela was born on June 23, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Diane Lewis and Leon Nelson. She transitioned on December 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that will forever inspire those who knew her.

A celebration of Tiequela's life will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Grace Baptist of East Springfield, 1553 E 21st Street, Jacksonville FL 32206 .Visitation will be held Friday, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the mortuary.   In the time of personal loss, the beloved family has elected to locally entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with transitional after-care arrangements to Holmes-Glover-Solomon Funeral Directors, Inc.

Tiequela's life revolved around her cherished daughter, 16-year-old China Young. China was Tiequela's pride and joy, the center of her world, and the reason she worked tirelessly every single day. Tiequela ensured that China had everything she needed—and everything she wanted. Whether it was her education, hobbies, or dreams, Tiequela made it happen with unwavering dedication and love. If you ever worked alongside Tiequela, you knew about China. She spoke of her daughter constantly, with a sparkle in her eyes and pride in her voice, always sharing stories about her achievements and the life they were building together.

Tiequela's professional journey was just as inspiring. She began her career as a flight attendant with American Airlines (Envoy) on April 8, 1998, dedicating 26 years to ensuring countless passengers reached their destinations safely and comfortably. She was based in LaGuardia, Miami, and Dallas, earning a reputation for her creativity, warmth, and unparalleled work ethic. Tiequela's beverage cart, famously decorated with Christmas lights, brightened the skies and the hearts of her passengers. Her coworkers admired her energy, humor, and resilience, especially during layovers where she shared stories and laughter. Mexico was her favorite layover spot, where she would shop at flea markets and street vendors, always thinking of special finds for China.

Tiequela's dedication and enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed—she was honored as the Outstanding Flight Attendant for the 3rd Quarter of 2022, a testament to her incredible work ethic and charm. She even won six months off for selling the most snacks and beverages, a reflection of her exceptional skills and passion for her work.

Despite facing a cancer diagnosis, Tiequela's strength and determination never wavered. She worked through her treatments with remarkable grace, never once complaining, and often reassuring others with her trademark phrase, "I'm okay, I'm good." Her perseverance inspired everyone around her. It is with great sadness that we share Tiequela suffered a heart attack on December 13, 2024, she gained her wings peacefully, leaving behind a void that can't ever be filled.

Outside of her career, Tiequela was a dedicated substitute teacher for nearly 20 years with the Duval County Public School System, impacting the lives of countless students. She was also an active member of Lake Forest Church of Christ drawing strength from her faith and serving her community with love and humility.

Tiequela was a woman who valued family and friendship. She loved traveling, shopping, enjoying seafood and her favorite Popeyes chicken, and spending time with her friends. Above all, she found joy in her role as a mother, pouring her heart into every moment spent with China.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane Lewis, and her brother, Antwaun Alexander. She is survived by her husband, Freddie Young; her beloved daughter, China Young; stepson, Jeremiah Bryant; father, Leon Nelson; Stepfather, Harold King; Grandmother, Louise Mixon; and her great-grandmother, Esterine Lewis. She also leaves behind her siblings, Harold Lewis, Margarita Lewis, sister-in-law Kendra Wilson; brother-in-law, Kendall Wilson; her nephew, Zion Lewis; and her nieces, Tatiana Lewis, Diane Franks, Ani Lewis, and Sha 'Rene Franks.

Tiequela's memory will forever be treasured by her Aunts, Laura Smith, Almetha Albert, Darlene Patterson, Carol Patterson; Geneva Jones, Gardenia Pickney, Lucille (Donald) Lewis, Elizabeth Nelson, Gloria Green,  Patricia Jones, Ruth (Roy) McIntyre, Uncles,  Thomas (Geneva) Nelson, James Mixon Jr., Michael Mixon, and Christopher Mixon; her special friends, Mika Brown and Kim Brown; and a host of flight attendants, inflight managers, coworkers, and friends who loved her dearly.

Tiequela embodied the spirit of a true flight attendant—always caring for others, always soaring above challenges. And now, she has her eternal wings, flying high and free in the realm of peace and love. Once a flight attendant, always a flight attendant, she will always be remembered as part of the sky she loved so much.

Tiequela's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and faith. She was truly one of a kind, and her light would shine in the hearts of all who knew her.