Akia Melissa Bonaparte
Akia M. Bonaparte was an earthly angel who was born on June 21, 1975 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her parents, Norton and Santa, have a lifetime of wonderful memories of her, and recently celebrated her 50th birthday with a host of family and friends.
She leaves her parents, a brother Nate and his wife Robin, nephews, countless aunts, uncles, cousins, special friend Nilda, and her devoted caregiver Shontesha.
Akia had lived in Michigan, Virigina, Maryland, New Jersey, Kansas and Florida.
While she was born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 and was classified as having Down's syndrome, she went to school and completed her studies. Akia worked at various facilities that hired individuals with disabilities. She gave 100% to her school and work endeavors. Akia loved treating her family to “take out” dinners on Fridays after bringing home her paycheck, although she was known for skipping out on the check whenever she could get away with it.
She traveled with her family to various places throughout the United States, the Caribbean islands, and several Caribbean cruises.
Her mom ensured Akia always looked her best, especially when going out in public, as she felt it was important to represent persons with DS in a positive light.
She enjoyed going to dances, singing along to songs on the radio, playing basketball with her dad, swimming, and Pilates.
Akia always had a genuine smile for everyone, even politicians, which she met a lot of.
Akia made her transition on September 2, 2025. We are confident she has many loved ones, long gone, waiting to embrace her once again.
She was truly a ray of sunshine with a heart of gold, and will be severely missed. Although gone from this earth, Akia lives on in those she touched throughout her life.
A celebration of her life will be held at 520 on the Water (520 North Palmetto Avenue Sanford, FL 32771) on Saturday, September 13th at 11:00 am.
Trinity Memorial Chapel in Sanford is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to one of the following organizations:
National Association for Down Syndrome
The National Down Syndrome Society
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
