Tearicka Cradle

Tearicka ‘Tika” Layon Cradle was a Columbus native, born on December 20, 1975. At the age of 45, Tearicka unexpectedly departed this natural life on July 18, 2021.  Tearicka Cradle graduated from Linden Mckinley High School. She then continued to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in business while still pursuing her Doctorate. Tearicka had aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur not only to help herself, but to also be a help to many others. After this long journey she went onto become a Strong community leader.

Tearicka wore many hats; she was a Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and Friend. Through the various positions Tearicka held, she was able to achieve her passion of being a leader, teacher, and mentor to many. Tearicka Cradle worked at Banc One, Columbia Gas, Safelite & Zulily; all of which were steppingstones for her to reach the apex of her career, putting her in the position she loved and was able to truly make a difference in.  Which is exactly what she did when she began working with the City of Columbus.  While working for the City of Columbus Tearicka had the opportunity of working in various departments such as the Fire Department, the Police Station & many more. Tearicka’s biggest accomplishment was working her way up through Mayor Coleman’s Restoration academy. While being a part of Restoration Academy she took on which would be her first job working for the City of Columbus with Parks and Recreations.  While this job is not one that many people may have chosen, Tearicka was up every day no matter what weather conditions varied or any challenges she was faced with for the day.  Tearicka was then offered a position to work in the Civil Service Department alongside her Mentor Amy Delong.  Tearicka went on to be offered to take over Restoration Academy as the coordinator of the program, where she worked alongside the Mayor and many other City Officials to make changes to the community for everyone as well as to help citizens with a background re-enter the community. After this position she moved on to her last position she would ever hold within the city which led her to Building and Zoning. Tearicka loved spending time with Family and Friends.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and kept everyone on their toes laughing, sometimes until we had tears in our eyes.

Tearicka Cradle Joined the United House of Prayer in 2010 with her two children, Sarone & Sierra Mayes. Sis Cradle loved the House of Prayer and was a devoted member, attending services and volunteering in the Madison Soul Food Kitchen regularly. Sis Cradle made herself available to help any of her House of Prayer family when called upon. Tearicka later initiated the joining of her Grandson XaiMir Mayes, to the United House of Prayer.

Tearicka was a loving and dedicated spouse, mother, daughter, grandmother, godmother, sister, auntie and friend to many. Tearicka loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Tearicka Cradle leaves to cherish her memories, husband, Steven Mayes; mothers, Cynthia Cradle and Rosetta Dukes; children, Sarone and Sierra Mayes; sisters, Angela Cradle, Stacy Carey, and Secundra Parker; grandson, XaiMir Mayes; Godchildren, Anthony Yates, Destiny Hall, Heaven and Neveah Ayers; nieces and nephews, Kayla and Jaquez Printup, and Hezekiah Parker; along with a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Friday, July 30, 2021 at United House of Prayer, 1731 Greenway Ave. Entombment at Union Cemetery.