Lisa Nicole Lopes lived a life of creativity,
ambition, dedication to her artistry, and love of
family and friends. Born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on May 27, 1971, Lisa is the first
of three children born to Wanda Lopes
Colemon and the late Ronald Lopes, Sr.
As a child, Lisa’s ear for music was exhibited by the
age of 5, when she received a toy piano for
Christmas. Though it was just a toy, Lisa learned
to play actual songs on this instrument,
impressing both family and friends. Lisa’s
creativity was hardly limited to music only.
Growing up as the big sister to her brother,
Ronald, and a sister Raina, Lisa often entertained
them with stories she wrote. Her gift
as an artist was again exhibited during childhood,
as she enjoyed drawing cartoons “just for the fun of it.”
Creatively gifted, music has always been interwoven in
the fabric of Lisa’s being. Her devotion to
music served as a source of comfort, mental release,
emotional support, and a sense of fulfillment.
Fueled by ambition, Lisa moved to Atlanta in 1992,
focused on pursuing a music career. Shortly after
arriving here, Lisa met two ladies who soon
became her best friends, collaborators and
dream seekers. Together, Lisa, Tionne and
Rozonda formed a hip-hop group that quickly
captured the attention and the hearts of the
world, TLC. Certainly Lisa’s creative influence
was evident in the image and lyric’s of the TLC
message. Their first CD, “Ooooooohhh On The TLC
TIP,” sold millions. Lisa was responsible for the
rap lyrics, and also designed the trios’ costumes
as well as the CD cover. In later
CD’s, “CrazySexyCool” and “Fanmail,” Lisa penned
rap lyrics that mirrored her experiences , bared
her heart, and depicted emotional and spiritual
growth. Again, showing her creativity and natural
talents, Lisa was responsible for designing the
stage set for TLC’s first major tour, as well as
providing the creative concepts in TLC’s videos.
The unique image that TLC projected was created
largely through Lisa’s creative insight/influence.
TLC’s artistry and popularity was
recognized throughout the world as the group
received both national and international recognition.
Lisa’s natural talents also extended into cooking,
sewing and music production. Considered an outstanding
chef by family and close friends, Lisa was
recently working on a culinary concept tentatively
dubbed “Chef Eye Kitchen.” In collaboration
with her uncle, Lisa launched a line of hip-hop
fashions. And, through her production company,
“Left Eye Productions,” Lisa served as a mentor
to the female groups “Egypt,” “Blaque,” “Nandi,” and “Jenaisiqua.”
In recent years, Lisa became increasingly
introspective, as she sought to discover and unleash
her purpose. She regularly traveled to Honduras
to commune with nature, participate in cleansing
treatments, and focus on mental and spiritual renewal.
Lisa took such delight in these travels, that
she shared this experience with family and
friends by bringing them to this “home away from
home” to share her love for this experience. Those
who know Lisa well are certainly acquainted with
her generosity, vitality, independence and her
ability to “keep it real.” Lisa enjoyed showering
loved ones with her generosity, never expecting
anything in return. It was not unusual to see
Lisa reach out to help strangers. And, Lisa never
failed to pay attention to young kids, whether they j
ust wanted an autograph, a friendly ear, or
simply to see a successful celebrity.
We will always remember the wonderful memories we have
of Lisa. Her quick smile, ready wit, generosity, and
determination will always remind us of the Lisa we knew and loved.
Her legacy is reflected in her humanitarianism,
creativity, and, the lyrics in which she shared her
heart and soul with her fans. Lisa will be lovingly
remembered and missed by her family, friends
and fans. Cherishing all that the private Lisa represented
are: her adoring mother, Wanda Lopes Colemon, step-father –
Quynton Colemon; brother – Ronald Lopes; step-brother Quynlan Colemon;
Reverend Sherman Washington “twodad”; maternal grandmother –
“Granny Lillie’; Maternal grandfather and step-grandmother –
Jose and Eva Andino; grandfather – Chic Chaneyfield; Paternal Great Grandmother –
Reverend Helen B. Hewlett; uncles and aunts – Jose,
Perez, Antonio, Michelle, Pamela, LaVeta, LaZanna, Dale,
Charles Lopes, Anthony Lopes and Karen Chaneyfield;
and, a host of Great Aunts and Uncles, cousins and loving friends.
“…Dreams are hopeless aspirations in hopes of comin’
true. Believe in yourself. The rest is up to me and you.“
- Waterfalls
Lisa Lopes
