Natika Lillian Green

NATIKA LILLIAN GREEN was born on June 15, 1951, and departed this earth on August 6, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Natika (affectionately known as Tika by siblings and friends, Aunt Tika by her immediate and great-nieces and nephews, and Mom by her daughter Omorra) was always curious and drawn to gadgets. She was drawn to understanding how things worked and, as a child, got in trouble for taking things apart but couldn’t reassemble them. Natika attended Baltimore City Booker T. Washington Middle School and Northwestern High School. After graduating from Northwestern in 1969, she entered the workforce at the Social Security Administration. She also joined the Army Reserve. Her experience with the Army Reserve led her to decide to enlist in the Army. Her mentor and eventual best friend, Mary Cook, supported her through the enlistment process. Natika served in the Army for 23 years. Her military achievements are listed on the opposite side of this page. Natika loved her Army career but had to retire in 2007 because of health issues. After retirement, Natika moved back to Baltimore with her daughter to help care for her mother. Natika’s health conditions prevented her from seeking employment; however, she remained very involved in the lives of her great-nieces and nephews. A highlight at our mother’s home on Fridays was hearing them call to have a sleepover with Aunt Tika. When her health allowed, she often participated in their school activities or school field trips. Although she was quite ill, if you did not know her, you would have never known the extent of her illness. Her strength and resilience were remarkable. Her daughter, Omorra, and her great-niece Giselle were her catalysts for living, although her illness was quite tiring. She rarely complained, and when asked how she was feeling, her routine answer was “I’m here, and there is no use complaining.” Perhaps her greatest feature was her huge heart. She was so kind-hearted that she often placed herself in financial jeopardy to help other family members. Although she knew some played on her kindness, she almost never confronted them because she wanted to “keep peace.” But she was not fooled. Her heart was as big as an ocean. She also thrived on having fun. She recently delayed an important surgery until after she and her daughter went to an Usher and Chris Brown concert. Our sister, aunt, mom, and daughter loved life. She was opinionated and had something to say about everything. Among some family members, she was secretly and affectionately referred to as “mouth almighty”. Tika, we will miss you tremendously and want everyone to know how you touched all our lives for the better. The characteristics we will best remember include: N - Never defeated in life and living A - Always giving even when she knew better T - Transparency in her thoughts and speech I - Incredible strength and resilience in adversity K - Kind-hearted to all family members regardless of their past failures A - Always loving and eternally committed to her daughter, Omorra, and great-niece Giselle Love Always, Your Family Natika answered the call to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Army Reserve. She began a distinguished military career that spanned 23 years as a noncommissioned officer. She served as an Administrative Specialist and Military Finance Specialist and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). Her assignments carried her to several duty stations. Natika’s military career was marked by her dedication and excellence. Her many honors include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Non-Commissioned Officer Reserve Medal (2nd award). Natika retired honorably from military service in 2007. She returned to Baltimore, Maryland, where she continued her legacy of care and guidance for her family. Special tribute from Jasamine, the sibling who lived with Natika: Tika, you were so much more than my sister. You were my protector, my friend, and at times, the rude and opinionated mother I needed. You played so many important roles in my life, and I wish I had told you more often how much I truly appreciated you. Our relationship wasn’t always perfect; still, we were close, playful, and protective of one another, though sometimes distant. But through it all, we shared a bond only we could understand. I will always cherish the conversations we shared when it was just the two of us. Those moments are now precious memories that I will carry with me forever. I will miss your protectiveness, your generosity, and simply having you here. I wish I had said more while you were still with me, but I hope you know how much you meant to me. Thank you for being my mister, my protector, my friend, and so much more. I love you, Tika, and I will carry your memory in my heart always, Jassy.

Tributes

Natika Lillian Green

June 15, 1951 - August 6, 2026