Nikkita Monique Keelen

Nikkita Monique Keelen was born on July 13, 1981, to the late Marvin Keelen Sr. and Jennifer

Keelen. Affectionately known as "Slim," she was the second child and the only daughter of

their union. She was lovingly sandwiched between two big brothers she adored: the late

Marvin Keelen Jr. and Nicholas Alexander Keelen.

From an early age, Nikkita accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Third Rose of

Sharon Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Joseph Jackson. Years later, she

served faithfully as the First Lady of New Covenant Ministries International for several years

-a role she embraced with love and grace, worshipping alongside her husband and children.

Nikkita's academic journey began at A.D. Crossman Elementary School, continued at Eleanor

McMain Secondary School, and culminated at McDonogh #35 Senior High School. She

graduated in 1999 with a host of academic honors, including recognition as a National

Achievement Scholar. A true scholar-athlete, she excelled as a quad-athlete-playing

basketball, softball, tennis, and cheering. She remains the highest-scoring point guard in

McDonogh #35 history, holding the school record with an astonishing 54 points in a single

game. Nikkita graduated in the top 5% of her class with a GPA of 4.042, ranking 11th out of

nearly 300 students.

Offered a full scholarship on the spot at a college fair, Nikkita proudly chose to attend

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where she majored in Biology

Education and minored in Chemistry. After graduating in December 2004, she began her

teaching career at the YMCA's James M. Singleton Charter Middle School.

In December 2005, Nikkita and her then-husband welcomed their first child, Keelen

Monique Landrum. Two years later came their son, Spirgil Milton Landrum II, followed by

their youngest daughter, Zoe René Landrum, in 2010.

Over the course of 15 years, Nikkita educated and inspired hundreds of New Orleans

children. Her love of learning was infectious, and her passion for research and student

success translated into impressive academic gains, reflected year after year in outstanding

LEAP scores. In 2012, she was honored as Teacher of the Year at Gentilly Terrace Elementary.

She later joined ReNew Schaumburg School, where her talents propelled her to serve as an

Instructional Coach and eventually as a Middle School Assistant Principal.

In the summer of 2019, Nikki faced two life-changing events. First, she was diagnosed with

breast cancer. Though this diagnosis was devastating, Nikki's strength, resilience, and above

all, faith in God, never wavered. With her three greatest motivations- KeeKee, Man-Man, and

ZoZo- she chose to fight with unwavering determination. Just two weeks after receiving her

diagnosis, Nikki learned she had yet another reason to persevere- a new life was growing. In

January 2020 she welcomed her fourth child, Blaze Anthony Alexander Smith. Fueled by her

love for her children and trust in God, Nikki battled cancer with grace and grit and

triumphed. She rang the "Chemo Bell", signifying her final chemotherapy session, on

February 8, 2021.

As a mother, she was patient and supportive. Her children were her everything. She poured

endless love into their lives and proudly celebrated their every achievement, often sharing

her joys with the world through social media.

Nikki was a radiant spirit whose brilliance and warmth made everyone around her feel seen,

heard and loved. She cherished moments with her children, friends, family and especially

enjoyed gathering with her cousins for good laughs. Like the rest of her immediate family,

Nikki was a devoted New Orleans Saints fan and never missed a televised game.

Nikkita was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Keelen Sr.; her brother, Marvin Keelen

Jr.; her grandfather, Pernell Keelen Sr.; her grandmothers, Eleanor Cage Dangerfield and

Elouise Jackson Keelen; her godchild, Chad Myron Lewis, and several uncles and aunts.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved children, Keelen Monique Landrum, Spirgil

Milton Landrum II, Zoe René Landrum, and Blaze Anthony Alexander Smith; her devoted

mother, Jennifer Keelen; her brother, Nicholas Alexander Keelen (Robin); nephews, Shamar

Lawrence Keelen, Marshall Lee Keelen, Quinton Trevor Richardson; nieces, Rylee Denise

Keelen and Niko Denise Keelen; sister in law, Shanita Keelen, her best friend and sister,

Laci Rouzan Blondell (Sean); godmothers, Marvel Ellison and Regina (Vickie) Jackson

Williams; godchildren, Sean Andre Blondell II, Lena Spring Blondell, Laila Saige Blondell, and

Sophia Lily Blondell; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Nikkita Monique Keelen Landrum was a force of nature: brilliant, compassionate, courageous

and deeply loved. Her legacy lives on through her children, her students and the countless

lives she touched. She will forever be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday, June 4,

2025, 10:00AM at Third Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, 2132 Third Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

with Pastor Kendrick Allen officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00AM until time of service.

Interment Private Burial.

Sign Tribute Wall

Services Entrusted to the Caring Staff of:

Professional Funeral Services

"Families First"

1449 N. Claiborne Ave

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-948-7447