Infant Niko Keshaun Poteat Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

HERKIMER – Infant Niko Keshaun Poteat, aged two months and six days, became an angel on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 12:17 PM. The son of Keshaun Poteat and Mariah Jackson, Niko was born in Syracuse on April 19, 2022. His loving mother got to know his personality right from the start as he grew inside her. He was active all day every day! Though he caused a little bit of morning sickness and some heartburn, the bouncing baby boy gave his mom an overall great pregnancy. At the 20-week appointment, doctors detected a heart issue and classified Mariah and Niko as a high-risk pregnancy. Mariah was determined to see Niko through, hoping and praying for the best. After birth, it became clear that his heart would struggle more than anticipated. The doctors and staff of Crouse in Syracuse, Strong Memorial in Rochester, and New York Presbyterian Hospital deserve countless blessings for their kindness and heroic efforts to make Niko thrive, giving him the utmost compassionate care. Niko – affectionately called “Biscuit” by his parents – was a strong little guy, surrounded by tremendous love, prayers, and attention beyond belief. Though his time on earth was brief, his birth charmed his parents, and he will be a memory to his siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and everyone who loved him. Taking after his father, Niko had beautiful dark brown eyes, and curly hair, which he got from his mom. He also got his nose from his dad and his mother’s ears. He truly was a perfect combination of both of them! But more than his appearance, mostly what they gave him was unfailing love. He would smile often for his dad and his eyes simply lit up whenever his mom called his name. In the last days of his life, Niko was baptized into the Catholic Church at the hospital by the chaplain, pure of heart and ready for Heaven, his new home. The Lord is now holding him in the palm of His hand. Niko leaves behind his parents, Mariah and Keshaun “Kez”; maternal grandparents, Jacqueline “Jackie” and Anthony Jackson; paternal grandparents, Ebae Shambley and Rahsaana Holder; and his great-grandparents, Marilyn and Michael Paragi. He will be a shining star in the sky for his sisters, Brooklynn Jackson, and Nevaeh Thomas; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Niko will be lovingly cared for in Heaven by his grandparents, Lubertha Jackson and Charles McCovery, Aquanda Poteat Silver, and Minnie Pearl Shambley. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Irene the social worker from New-York Presbyterian Morgan-Stanley Children’s Hospital. Her amazing kindness to Niko’s parents and other family members, her willingness to care for their needs, and her compassion will never be forgotten. Mariah and Keshaun wish also to thank their parents, friends, and all who were so supportive and made this difficult time as positive as could be. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 p.m at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Niko’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation.

Infant Niko Keshaun Poteat

April 19, 2022 - June 25, 2022