A celebration of life was the only way to describe the funeral service of one of MATC’s thriving students, Lakisha J. Alexander, 27. She was obtaining her associate degree in Human Services at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, when an unfortunate car accident caused her death.

On her way to choir rehearsal on October 26, a driver of an automobile lost control of the steering wheel while exiting freeway I-43 at North Avenue.

According to an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Alexander was not wearing her seatbelt when the vehicle rolled over several times and she was ejected from the Jeep Cherokee.

It was reported that an off-duty firefighter and the paramedics performed CPR on her, but attempts to revive Alexander were unsuccessful.

She had hoped to open a community-based residential facility for the elderly. Alexander was working as a school bus driver.

She was described as being very caring to her passengers, and had a great working relationship with her co-workers, the students and their parents.

It was noted in her obituary how her concern for one of the students saved his and his family’s lives.

Alexander was known in her community as Missionary Lakisha Alexander under the pastorship of Bishop Bernard Dotson at Greater Faith Outreach Ministries.

Alexander worked very hard in the ministry. She played an integral part in the church auxiliaries, including Prison Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, In-Home Ministry, Prayer Warrior, Sunday School Teacher, Preacher, Vice-President of Greater Faith Youth Department and Musician.

She was learning to play the drums, piano, bass and guitar. Alexander sang in various choirs which included: Greater Faith Adult and Youth Choirs, Alliance Choir, Gospel Tabernacle International Youth Choir, Exquisite Praise and Mixed Generation.

Alexander loved to play sports with her nieces and nephews. She was instrumental in forming a basketball team so that her nephews could develop their skills.

In such a short life she enjoyed traveling and traveled to many places such as Canada, Jamaica and throughout the U.SDuring the funeral services held at the Greater New Birth West Church, there were many tributes from friends, family, bishops from her sister churches and classmates.

Her nephew spoke of how she would always inspire him to do well in school and keep the faith. He announced that he was going back to church and asked to get baptized because of his “Aunt Kisha.”

Mr. Joseph Moore, an instructor in the Human Service Department at the MATC Downtown Milwaukee Campus, said that Alexander was one of his best students.

“Not only did she remain as an A Level student, she also assisted students who needed help with their work.” He finished by saying, “Her light always shined in my classroom.”

Numerous bishops from neighboring churches spoke of the honorable life in which she lived by.

One bishop had traveled from Orlando, Florida, to speak of the admiration of such a young, focused African-American woman.

Pastor Brown of Chicago, Illinois, spoke of how Missionary Lakisha ministered through her music. “She’d sing her song, and out of nowhere she’d jump up and run through the church giving praise,” Brown said.

Brown also said, “On the Saturday prior to her death she performed her last choir performance as if it were her last. There was a standing ovation.”

During the eulogy her pastor, Bishop Bernard Dotson, spoke of Alexander who was proud to still be a virgin. “She would bring potential suitors to me for approval before going out on a date,” said Bishop Dotson.

He went on to remind the congregation that Alexander’s life was one that everyone who met her should celebrate. He ended by saying that, “Missionary Lakisha served her purpose in this life and everyone should do the same.