Nakea Lance Gumbs-Perry

NaKea Lance Gumbs-Perry was born May 5 tb 1981 to Laguana Perry of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island and Lance A. Gumbs II of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in New York. “Kea,” or “Bro” as he was known to many, would ask everyone and anyone, “has anyone told you they loved you today?;” followed by, “well I’m telling you, I love you." NaKea attended Suffolk Community College in Riverhead, New York. A graduate of Southampton High School in Southampton, New York, NaKea was extremely talented in football. He was also a skilled scuba diver, marksman and an avid hunter, as well as a nature loving traditionalist, artist, and an angel in the Creator’s choir. NaKea’s passion for singing truly defined his character. While he could sing anything from gospel to reggae, in the lyrics of Randy Travis, "if a story is told, only heaven knows," country music was NaKea’s all time favorite. His fondness for Travis’ music grew from the times NaKea would spend with his Papa, the late Walter A. Perry Sr., riding "around from town to town, like a feather in the wind." Always with a song in his heart and a gigantic smile on his face, NaKea brought joy to everyone in a multitude of ways. Anyone who truly knew NaKea appreciated his exuberant personality and his unwavering passion for life and living. He never wanted to miss a moment and he was the last one standing at any party. Gifted in the art of masonry, NaKea showed the world through stone the beauty that lived inside of him. Whether he was on Shinnecock, Narragansett, Mashantucket Pequot or Mashpee land, his sincere and generous heart shined ever so bright. Without effort, he lifted the spirits of anyone he ever met. He always chose to put others first by making sure you had food in your stomach, clothes on your back and a drink in your hand. NaKea sheltered his family, friends and loved ones. He was eager to protect and defend them and he would never allow harm to those he loved. NaKea always kept it 100 percent real. He lived his life as a proud native warrior who represented his culture and family at every turn. A true Indian’s Indian, from living off the land to mastering the art of storytelling—he could weave the tallest tales and sweep you off your feet. Growing up on the powwow trail was the beginning of another wonderful blessing. It was during one of these journeys that he met, Virginia Garcia, who soon after blessed him with the light of his life, his daughter Shesha. He was beyond proud of his beautiful warrior daughter, who he taught not to be afraid of anything. Their common zeal for adventure was evident as he taught her to tame snakes and ride motorcycles. NaKea stressed the importance of self-respect and adamantly encouraged his daughter to stay away from “bad boys.” Throughout his life and after his passing, Shesha continues to earnestly reciprocate her father’s devotion and love as the true “daddy’s girl” she will always be. In addition to his daughter Misheshau “Shesha” Angelita Garcia Perry, NaKea, “Bro” “Kea,” is now the guardian angel of many, including his parents Lance A. Gumbs and Laguana and Edward “Big Peco” Barber II; A paternal grandmother, Harriet Starleaf Crippen Brown Gumbs and maternal grandmother, Myra Red Moon D. Brown Perry; three brothers, Awan Gumbs, Peco Barber and Launcelot A. Gumbs III; three sisters, Saquokya Coffey, Sheena Lee and Lanaiya Gumbs; five uncles Phillip D. Brown IV, Edward A. Gumbs, Walter “Dynk” A. Perry Jr., Quintana A. Perry and Tarza A. Perry; three aunts, Keela Reyna, Kamala Hopkins and Carolyn L. M. Brown Gumbs; one nephew, Brandon Gumbs; nine nieces Ishanti, Trinity , Kenya, Aaliyah, Halona, Jessica, Sophia, Inez, and Alyvia; as well as an abundant number of extended intertribal family and friends; the mother of his only child, Virginia Garcia, and the eternal love of his life, Destiny "DJ Des" Spears. NaKea now joins the spirit world with his two grandfathers, Walter A. Perry Sr. and Launcelot A. Gumbs Sr.; two uncles, Katonah A. Perry and Cheyenne A. Perry; and the many other Algonquian warriors who came before him.