Born on April 14, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, Zakita was the cherished daughter of Okita M. Lerma and Jessie Lira. Though her time on earth was far too short, she filled the hearts of her family with immeasurable love, joy, and hope. Her beautiful smile, tiny hands, and sweet presence brought happiness to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will forever be loved, remembered, and deeply missed.
She is survived by her loving parents; her big sister, Cirenity Lira; her maternal grandparents, Tammy Lerma and Dontee Brown; her paternal grandparents, Lonna and David Lira; her maternal great-grandmother, Elizabeth Handel; her maternal great-grandfather, Arnulfo Lerma; her paternal great-grandparents, Cindy and Jim Moorehead; six aunts, Natikka Lerma, Alexis (Aamir) Khanbhai, Sabrina Lerma, Sethina Lerma, Michele Lira, and Jamie Villegas; six uncles, Romeo Payton, David (Jennifer) Lira, John (Nancy) Lira, Jason (Debra) Lira, Joseph Lira, and Justice Lira, her Godmother, Sadie Ballard; and many loving cousins, relatives, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her great-grandfather, Troy Slusser; her uncle, John Paul Villegas; her great-uncle, Antonio Lerma; and her cousins, Summer Rose, Kayla Slusser, and Maddox Rodriguez.
A visitation will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor John Lira officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
