Akilah Ayanna Wright, “Kiki” to family and friends and “Petta” to her dad, was born on August 26, 1979, in Denver, Colorado, to parents SueAnn Bruce and Daniel Wright, Sr. Akilah was the youngest of two children. She and her brother grew up in the home of their paternal grandparents, Clabe and Aretha Wright. Aretha was instrumental in the care and upbringing of both children; however, their father made the decision to return to his childhood home to help in his children’s care and upbringing. Akilah grew up surrounded by cousins: Courtney, Whitney and Lynsey. They developed lifelong strong bonds that remained throughout Akilah’s life.

Due to the simple fact that Akilah grew up in her grandparent’s home, she learned the importance of God at an early age. Akilah witnessed her grandparents’ prayers, trust and belief in God. In the Wright household, learning about God and Biblical teachings were as important and valued as was formal school education. In her early pre-teens, Akilah professed her belief in God and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church. Akilah’s faith remained strong throughout her life.

Akilah was educated in the Denver Public School System, except for attending her last year of middle school at St. James Catholic School. Akilah graduated in 1997 from George Washington High School. She continued to pursue education until her death. In 2001,

Akilah earned an Associates of Art Degree in General Studies from Community College of Aurora. In 2006, Akilah earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Metropolitan State University at Denver. Akilah was in the process of completing her Associates of Arts Degree in Creative Writing from Arapahoe Community College before her untimely death.

Job 14:1 reads; Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. Akilah’s life journey involved a lifelong struggle with mental health issues that began in childhood. Her journey was not easy, but Akilah lived her life with resilience, determination and perseverance. She struggled and experienced all that came with having a mental health diagnosis; but was determined her illness would not alter her life goals or deter her from being the best person that she could be. WellPower helped make Akilah’s goal to help others a reality. Akilah wanted to use her mental health “burden” as a way to connect with and help others that shared mental health issues. There was a time that Akilah believed she could never accomplish or achieve much of anything. Akilah’s on-going seasons of illness challenged her total existence, but she believed she could use her life experiences, along with education and faith, to help others. Akilah strongly believed “her GRANDMA’S PRAYERS”, support, and faith were the anchor that got her through.

Akilah was a recipient of services from WellPower, initially know as Empowerment and Mental Health Corporation of Denver, from childhood throughout her adulthood. When WellPower began a Peer Support Program, Akilah was blessed to be offered the position of being a “Peer Support Professional.” The goal of the program was “to connect with people with shared experiences and build relationships to help find joy in life.” Akilah always wanted to live a life that mattered, served a purpose, and was of value. The position allowed her to meet both professional and personal goals. Akilah did her job well and it was recently reported that she was ready to complete the certification process to be a “Peer and Family Specialist” in Colorado. Akilah was committed and dedicated to her work as a Peer Support Specialist; a “bright light” in many people’s lives, a valued member of the support team, creative, smart, kind, passionate, warm hearted, helpful, caring, patient and gentle. Akilah was respected and well-liked by the WellPower community.

Akilah did not like strife, chaos or “the noise” of the world. She marched to her own drum beat and made no apology for being the person she was. Akilah was a gifted writer of poetry and often used poetry and journaling to address thoughts and feelings.

Heaven called Akilah’s name as she slept on April 21, 2026. Akilah answered the call, completing her earthly assignment. Akilah left

all … family, friends, Ava (her dog), and the noise of the world! HALLEUJAH, HALLEUJAH!!

Akilah MATTERED and was GREATLY LOVED.

Akilah was preceded in death by: Paternal grandparents, Clabe and Aretha Wright; Maternal grandmother: Virginia Bruce; Paternal Uncle: Ronald Wright; and a host and numerous other relatives.

Akilah Ayanna Wright’s memory will be cherished by: Father, Daniel Wright; Sr, Mother, SueAnn Evans; Brother, Daniel Wright, Jr; Paternal Aunts: Beverly Wright and Nevetta Chapman; Maternal Aunts: Mari Bruce Bissau and Kathryn Lindsay; Paternal Uncles: Herrell Wright and Norman Chapman; Nieces: Danjai Wright and Danielle Proctor; and a host and numerous other cousins and relatives.