Mariah Bodiford (Lansing)

Mariah Ann Bodiford, passed away during the month of July 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. Age 29 years. Mariah, affectionately known as “Juicy”, was born January 30, 1990 in Lansing, Michigan to Kenneth Files and Tina Bodiford.

Mariah attended Lansing Public Schools and a school in Jonesville, Michigan. She was a free spirit and lived her life on her own terms. Mariah was not afraid of change; she actually welcomed it. For the last 9 years, Mariah resided between Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia and Fort Pierce, Florida. Mariah was a very loving and trusting person, who at times, trusted too much. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Mariah was full of life and loved to make people laugh. She loved to cook and sing even though she wasn’t all that good at singing. Mariah would always call video call her oldest sister to have her walk her through recipes as she cooked. She loved her big sister’s cooking. Every time Mariah went to visit her grandparents, she was not leaving until she talked her grandmother into making her famous cheese sandwich. Mariah would always leave her grandmother stating, “I love you sooooo much and I want a hug.” When Mariah’s mother would tell her that she loved her, Mariah would always respond saying, “I love you more.” She loved hard and all she ever wanted from her family was their love and understanding. Mariah accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 2018.

Mariah leaves to cherish her memories her mother and stepfather, Tina Downey Bodiford and Thomas Downey; father, Kenneth Files; sisters, Audrey Bodiford, Lakiva Osborne and Tiana Downey; brothers, Maurice (Yalana) Bodiford-Jordan, Duwone Bodiford-Jordan, Shawndale Osborne, Lamar Osborne, Ronnell Brooks and Bonta Brooks; grandparents, Charlie and Mary Bodiford; uncles, Gary (Sharon) Bodiford, Jeffery Daniels, James Files and James Marshall; aunt, Sandra West; nine nephews, eight nieces; many great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends.

Mariah was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Files, Jr.; grandparents, James and Lois Files; great grandparents, Robert and Essie Marell and Reverend David Lee Daniels; and nephew, Jerrell Bodiford-Jordan.