Jeriqa Joyce Galbraith passed away at the age of 31 on April 7, 2024, at the Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield, Iowa. Born on September 22, 1992, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Deborah Michelle Faison Reynolds. Jeriqa’s early years were marked by a series of moves that took her from the mountains of Colorado to the diverse landscapes of Virginia, Arizona, and finally Michigan, where she found her calling and built a life filled with love, music, and service to others.
From her first steps in kindergarten in Yuma, Arizona, to her years in Alpena, Michigan, she demonstrated an unwavering spirit and a dedication to achieving her dreams. A proud graduate of Aces Academy in 2011, Jeriqa led as Captain of the Explorers Group, inspiring her peers with her leadership and passion.
Following high school, Jeriqa pursued a degree in criminal justice at Alpena Community College in Alpena, balancing her studies with her work at Sunrise Nursing Home. Her commitment to helping others continued as she served the community through her work at Northeast Community Mental Health. It was in Alpena that Jeriqa’s heart found its match in Devon Michael Galbraith, and the two were united in marriage on August 3, 2018. Their love took root in Fairfield, Iowa, where Jeriqa continued her career in support services at Sunnybrook, Optima Life Services, and Addington Place.
Jeriqa’s voice was a gift that she shared generously, lifting spirits and spreading warmth wherever she sang. Her love of singing was matched only by her love of adventure, often embarking on road trips with her family, the music turned up high, and her voice soaring over the melodies. These moments, spent with her husband and three cherished children, Rhyder, Corbette and Tayleigh, encapsulated the joy and love that defined Jeriqa’s life.
A recent highlight for Jeriqa was attending the breakfast with mom event with her children at Douds Elementary School, a memory that will be held dear by her family and friends. Her presence at such family events was a testament to the importance she placed on togetherness and creating lasting memories with her loved ones.
Jeriqa’s legacy is carried on by her husband, Devon; her children Rhyder, Corbette and Tayleigh; her mother, Deborah (Tammy); her father, Michael (Sue); her stepfather, Jeff Schwab (Mary Sobeck); and her siblings, Lyndsay, Sarah, Elijah, Ariel, Makayla, Briana, Anna, Ian, Ethan, and Brayden. Her grandpa, Norman Mosele, and a nephew, Sylas Armetta, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, will also hold her memory close to their hearts. She joins her grandmas, Anne Mosele and Tommy Hill who preceded her in death.
In accordance with her wishes her body has been cremated and a celebration of Jeriqa’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to honor her memory. Memorials to the family may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 32, Keosauqua, IA 52565. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
