Alicia Lee Thomason

In Loving Memory of Alicia Lee Thomason

Alicia Lee Thomason, born on October 21, 1998, left us unexpectedly on February 25, 2026, at the age of 27. Alicia was a radiant spirit, full of life and light, whose laughter, kindness, and love touched everyone she met.

Born to Shaun Thomason Sr. and Dara Riley, Alicia was raised with unwavering love and guidance by Dara Riley and her stepfather, Martin Riley. Family was at the heart of her life. She is survived by her mother, her father, her brother Shaun Thomason Jr., five additional siblings, three special nephews, three uncles on her father's side, her aunt Dayan Wiggs, her uncle David Dendulk, countless cousins, several great aunts, and grandparents across the United States and England. She was preceded in death by her uncle Charlie Thomason Jr. and her grandmother Donna Dendulk.

Alicia's three beloved children—Leiliana Rhiannon Nygaard, Ezra River Nygaard, and Arya Zulu Sky Nygaard—were the light of her life. She cherished every memory of cuddling them, drawing with them, exploring parks, letting them play barefoot in nature, and sharing laughter under the sun. Though she had been separated from them for the past two years, her love for them never wavered. Not a single day passed that they were not in her heart. It was her deepest wish that when they are old enough, they will seek out her true family and discover the story of her life and how fiercely she loved them.

Alicia loved the ocean—feeling the waves against her skin, the wind in her hair, and the warmth of the sun on her face. She was an artist, a dancer, a singer, a painter of both life and canvas. She found joy in the small, magical moments: singing along to music in the car, discovering the sunrise over the water, wandering through Pungo to admire the blooming lotus flowers, and simply being present in nature's beauty. She had a gift for caring, always ready to pause and help a friend, a neighbor, or a family member in need. Her godmother, Liz Nelson, held a special place in her heart, guiding and supporting her like family.

Alicia as an adult faced periods of hardship and extreme abuse, and while substances were at times a means to endure and escape, she spent her last 2 years seeking healing, peace, and joy. A Hard-Fought Hallelujah was her anthem of perseverance, a song that fueled her through life's challenges and reflected the courage, resilience, and hope with which she lived. Alicia's life was a testament to joy found in connection, love, and simple beauty, even amid hardship.

A celebration of Alicia's life will be held at a later location, and an update will be provided. Please contact her mother at Riley.dara at hotmail.com who is handling her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help with Alicia's memorial expenses Riley.dara at hotmail.com, or gifts and cards can be mailed to 1029 Purrington Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

Alicia's legacy of love, laughter, and light will live on in her children, her family, and everyone whose lives she touched. She will be forever remembered, deeply missed, and eternally cherished.

With love and remembrance,
Dara Riley, Martin Riley, Shaun Thomason Sr. and Family