Tomika Sherrell Sprigs was born on August 24, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruthie Johnson and the late Ezra Sprigs. She was the eldest of all her siblings. She spent her early years attending Euclid Public Schools before graduating from Mayfield High School in 2002. Driven by a desire to care for others, Tomika went on to earn her nursing degree from ATS Institute of Technology. She devoted more than 15 years to the nursing profession, most recently serving at University Hospitals, where she was admired by her colleagues and cherished by the families she cared for because of her compassionate nature and uplifting spirit. Her passion for healthcare extended beyond the bedside, leading her to co-found Dynamic Healthcare with her brother Rodney, through which they proudly served patients throughout Northeast Ohio.
Tomika was the kind of person whose presence could light up any room. Her radiant smile, warm heart, and infectious energy drew people to her wherever she went. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. She was outgoing, fun-loving, and effortlessly connected with people from all walks of life. Whether through her laughter, her encouraging words, or simply her presence, Tomika had a way of making others feel special.
Of all the roles Tomika held throughout her life, being a mother to her two sons, Trevon and Nasir, was the one she treasured most. She never missed a school event, a special moment, or an opportunity to remind her boys how proud she was of them. They were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. Together, they created countless memories through family outings, bowling trips, dinners out, and vacations to Florida that became cherished traditions.
Tomika knew how to enjoy life and make the most of every moment. Growing up, she loved riding with her father, Ezra, in his classic cars. She enjoyed reading, especially books by Triple Crown Publications, and loved spending time at the roller-skating rink. Tomika would confidently tell anyone who asked that she was the best Spades player around. She also enjoyed shopping and was known for her unique “fly-girl” style, always adding her own touch to whatever she wore. Whether she was sitting by the water, attending a Zumba class, enjoying happy hour at Pier W or The Honey Dew, or out dancing with friends, Tomika brought energy wherever she went. She was known for her signature dance move, the “Meka Shimmy,” which never failed to make people smile. A true lover of music, she especially enjoyed 90s hip-hop and could often be heard playing classics from No Limit, UGK, and other Southern rap legends.
Tomika was a straight G! She was fiercely loyal, honest, and genuine. She kept your secrets, never judged you, and wasn’t afraid to hold you accountable when needed. People admired her because she was unapologetically herself. Her authenticity earned her love and respect throughout Greater Cleveland and in the many communities she touched during her nursing assignments across the country. Tomika was a frequent visitor at Temple Baptist Church in East Cleveland, Ohio, and maintained a strong relationship with God. Her untimely transition has left many hearts broken, but we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited in Heaven with both her earthly and Heavenly Fathers.
Tomika leaves behind her beloved children, Trevon and Nasir Johnson, along with their loving father, Kevin Johnson. She is also survived by her mother, Ruthie Johnson; bonus mother, Twyla Landon; stepfather, Rodney Johnson Sr.; grandparents, James Ferguson and Annie Wallace; and Deneen King, the beloved grandmother of her sons.
She also leaves to mourn her brothers, King Armstrong and Rodney Johnson Jr.; sisters, Aisha Johnson, Tyjaun Landon-Gross (Yulias), and DawnDra Landon-Penn (Micháela); nephews, Zane, Michael, and Cor’dai; nieces, Goddess, Halo, Ry’Leigh, and Millie-Monroe; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, God-siblings, close friends, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father, Ezra Sprigs; her niece, Rossi-Marie; and her grandmother, Matthew Sprigs.