Malkia Maisha Newman (Regina Elaine Hoover), born on June 11, 1953, went home to be with the Lord on December 23, 2025.  Born to Barbara Jean Redmond and the late, Roderick E. Hoover, also preceded in death by her brother; Ronald Eugene Hoover, grandparents and great grandparents.

Regina was raised in Pontiac, Michigan, where she graduated as Valedictorian from Pontiac Northern High School and later studied Business Administration at Oakland Community College.

Later in life, she became known as Malkia Genie Maisha. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Tracie Elaine (Olufemi) Meadows, and a loving grandmother to Gregory Holden, II and Kiyah Holden, also her siblings; Rodjaline Walton, Ruthie E. (Mack) Wright, and Russell (Terry) Hoover.

Malkia dedicated many years of service to Community Network Services Healthcare, where she served as a Team Supervisor in the Anti-Stigma Program. She was also an ordained minister and a faithful member of New Birth International Church under the Bishop Theresa Lee.

Following her mental health diagnosis, Malkia became a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, committing her life to educating people about mental illness, serving her community and being a true example of a leader in the City of Pontiac.  She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, faith, compassion, and purpose, which will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her nieces, nephews aunts, and uncles.  Also a host of other loving relatives and friends.

She will lie in repose on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, Michigan, from 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church 143 Oneida St.  Pontiac, Michigan.  Family hour will begin at 10:00am and the service will immediately start at 11:00am.