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    In Loving Memory of Joni Holifield - HeartSmiles Founder

    Mama Sherry "Sherry Holifield

     

    Joni always honored and respected me as her mother and was fiercely loyal to her family. Although Joni did not give birth physically, she birthed many children through HeartSmiles. She became a mother figure as well as a strong and tenacious advocate for The Heartbeats. The gifts she instilled in them- a growth mindset, leadership, personal and professional responsibility, as well as accountability have changed generational cycles of poverty and destructive lifestyles. Her legacy continues on through The Heartbeats and the leadership roles they now fill in HeartSmiles as they pass on to other young people what Joni passed on to them.

     

    Sherika Griffin-Holifield

    There are no words that could ever fully capture who Joni was or what she meant to me.

    To the world, she was a visionary, a leader, a mentor, and a champion for young people. To me, she was home. She was my wife, my best friend, and the love of my life.

    Joni had a beautiful way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She gave so much of herself to others, never asking for anything in return. Her kindness, strength, faith, and unwavering belief in people changed countless lives, including mine.

    One of my greatest privileges was raising Chauncey alongside her and building a life filled with love, laughter, purpose, and unforgettable memories. Those are gifts I will cherish forever.

    While cancer may have taken her from my arms, it could never diminish the light she brought into this world or the legacy she leaves behind. I see her every day in the lives she touched, the hope she inspired, and the love she poured into everyone fortunate enough to know her.

    Thank you, my love, for choosing me, believing in me, and loving me so completely. It was the greatest honor of my life to be your wife.

    Until we meet again, I will carry you with me in everything I do.

    With all my love,

    Your Wife,

    Sherika Griffin-Holifield

     

    Jazmine Miller

     

    There are very few people in this world that the word superhero doesn’t even begin to describe them. Joni Holifield is one of them. Mama Joni saved my life and so many others. She jumped into our fires and made sure that both of us left unscathed. I’ve never in my life met someone who would risk everything for kids she just met, until her. She is an angel on this earth and now one in Heaven.

     

    Raquel Baraka

     

    Ms. Joni completely changed my life. She guided me on a path to fulfill my dreams. I always felt like she saw & trusted something in me that I didn’t even see in myself. She genuinely loved me and wanted me to succeed, and she made sure I was connected to all the tools I needed to get there. Ever since I joined my first HeartSmiles IG live, I loved how passionate she was about encouraging young people to be financially literate, tech-savvy, emotionally intelligent, and confident in pursuing their version of success. Ms. Joni has done what no one else has ever done for Baltimore youth and has touched so many hearts along the way, including mine. She was such a beautiful, calm, observant, and loyal presence. I’m blessed and eternally grateful to be able to call her my mentor.

     

    Kahlani Vegas

    Ms. Joni was like an aunt to me. Auntie Joni taught me how to be a better person and how to be independent. When i first came to HeartSmiles in 2023, She gave me advice when i needed it. Fought for me when i didn’t have anybody to fight for me and most importantly she believed in me when nobody else did. She helped me more than my own family did even though she really didn’t know me like that. Aunti Joni listened to me even if i really had nothing to say and she saw me as Khalani and not just a person that walked down the street. I love you, Auntie Joni. Rest in peace and power. Always and forever

     

    Chrystyan Pittman and Joni Holifield

     

    Chrystyan Pittman

    Mama Joni,  I’m still lost for words. It’s so hard to accept that this moment is real because I never imagined I’d have to say goodbye to you so soon. I love you so much, and I’m so proud of how hard you fought.

    You left such a huge impact on so many people and so many communities. From the moment you met Zion and me in middle school, you changed our lives forever. You poured so much love into us, believed in us, and helped shape us into the people we are today.

    You were always there for Zion and me no matter what. You taught us confidence, strength, and how to believe in ourselves. You constantly reminded me of my worth and never let me forget the person I was capable of becoming.

    I love you more than words can explain. I truly wish you were here to see how much I’ve grown, how much confidence I’ve gained, and all the ways I’m continuing to serve and give back to the community because of the foundation you helped build in me.

    Your legacy will live on through every life you touched, including mine. Thank you for loving me, believing in me, and never giving up on me. I’ll carry everything you taught me with me forever.

    I love you forever, Mama Joni. Rest peacefully. You’ll always have a place in my heart.

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