Beaula "Nia" McCoy

Beaula “Nia” McCoy May 18, 1947. She was named for her beloved aunt, Beaula Mae Robinson, and was the eldest of five children. Beaula was a natural leader, and understood the high expectations of her loving parents and remained steadfast in the teachings of her Seventh Day Adventist faith. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana Beaula was educated in the Orleans public school system. She attended Tommy Lafon Elementary, Carter G Woodson Junior High, and graduated a proud Ron-Eagle from McDonogh #35. Beaula pursued her secondary education through Delgado Community College, received her Bachelor of Science in 1980 from Our Lady of Holy Cross, and her Masters from the College of St. Francis in 1990. April 24, 1968 Beaula and Oceanous J. McCoy were wed in Los Angele, California. The young military family welcomed their first born, Secret D McCoy. The family moved back to New Orleans and their home church, Ephesus. Shortly after Kendall O. McCoy was born. Beaula accepted a position as a CT/Special Procedure Tech with Veterans Administration Medical Center from which she retired after 30 years of service. Beaula’s love of learning and curiosity were evident to anyone as she was seldom without a book or project. As a distance runner she developed endurance, tenacity, and conscientious approach to life. Beaula continued to invest in her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and community. At The People Program Nia shared her talent and creativity as an instructor of art classes. Nia remained a student of life as she continued to take enrichment classes and worked as a mentor. She encouraged others to identify their dreams, make a plan, and focus on their goals. As a grandmother, Beaula created a legacy of love to be carried by the true loves of her life, Nia and Isha Mbaye. Beaula chose the moniker, Nia. The name’s origin in Swahili means "purpose, resolve or brilliance" which was a natural fit for her life when on February 22, 1997 she married her kindred spirit, Kalamu ya Salaam. Together Nia and Kalamu traveled to every corner of the globe including St. Lucia, Germany, and several countries on the continent of Africa. Together they sparked creativity and inspiration for one another and shared a passion for life. On Thursday, February 28, 2020, Beaula “Nia” McCoy quietly began her slumber awaiting the return of our Savior. Nia leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Kalamu ya Salaam, two children, Secret D. McCoy-Mbaye of New Orleans, Kendall O. McCoy (Denise) of Jacksonville, Fl., and two grandchildren, Nia F. Mbaye and Isha E. Mbaye. Nia has two surviving siblings, Leon Richard III of New Orleans, La., and Patricia Ann Henderson of Rome, Ga., her beloved aunt Beaula Mae Robinson, a host of nieces, nephews, her devoted confidants, Dianne Mack and Carol Perkins, along with countless relatives and friends. Nia was preceded in death by two siblings, Leona Marie Bell and Voris Alan Richard as well as her mother and father. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of Ephesus 7th Day Adventist Baptist Church, 2400 Delachaise Street are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Ephesus 7th Day Adventist Baptist Church, 2400 Delachaise Street on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Private.