Victim remembered as dedicated mom
HAMILTON » Tika Justice’s daughters were her pride and joy.
Her former employer recalled she always talked about them at work.
And she was being remembered by many as a hero after she likely gave up her life to protect her 16-year-old daughter, who somehow survived the collapse of the family’s home Monday morning in the township.
Authorities aren’t yet sure what caused the home to cave in on itself. Both of Justice’s daughters, whose names were not released, survived the collapse. Rescue workers heard Justice’s youngest daughter’s screams helping them locate her in the rubble.
She was discovered under her mother’s body, protected from heavy bricks and debris that tumbled down around them.
“Did not surprise me at all,” said John Pavlovsky Jr., a Bordentown certified public accountant who hired Justice last year to work at his firm. “She always protected her kids, and she always talked about how important they were. I would have expected no less from her.”
Justice worked as a receptionist at Pavlovsky’s firm, answering phone calls, setting up appointments and maintaining the calendar, for almost a year, until she left to pursue another job in February.
Justice graduated from Hightstown High School in 1998, according to the class’ public Facebook page. Their 20-year reunion was coming up next month.
Justice, who also went by Tika Justice Miller, was previously married but her life revolved around her daughters following the death of her husband, according to Pavlovsky and a relative’s obituary that listed Justice and her late husband.
Justice beamed with pride over her daughters’ accomplishments. Her oldest was entering her sophomore year in college, Pavlovsky said.
He recalled Justice as a dedicated worker who looked out for others at the firm.
When meetings went late, even if her shift was over, she bought, picked up and delivered meals back to Pavlovsky and workers.
Justice was a perfect fit at the small shop of six, Pavlovsky said, and former colleagues were devastated to learn of her death.
“She just seemed to be an easy going and friendly,” the CPA said. “To hear something like that, it takes a toll on everybody.”
Pavlovsky grew pensive saying Justice’s death would remind him to “appreciate people. Take a couple minutes and acknowledge everybody and their benefits.”