Matika Buford, 34, of Jefferson County, Kentucky, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.  She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on March 6, 1991 to Schomecia Buford of Louisville, Kentucky and Gerald Gay of Lexington, Kentucky. 

Matika graduated from Tates Creek High School and was a manager for Hertz in Louisville. She had love for everyone that crossed her path and had such a giving heart. Matika was a step coach for Ky Elite, a position she dearly loved. Matika was a remarkable mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  

Matika is survived by her mother, Schomecia Buford of Louisville; father, Gerald Gay of Lexington; her two children, Kashton Walker and Kashlynn Brown, both of Louisville; grandmother, Barbara Russell of Lexington; brothers, Tra’Vonne Buford, DaizJon Wade, Kassim Cooper, Thomas Gay, Lance Gay, and Dayton Gay; sisters, LaKeesha Gay, Starica Gay, Cassie Fox, Denver Johnson, and Cecile King; a special Aunt Domerika Mobley and a host of other Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends; special friend who she loved like a daughter. Kayju “Kay Kay”Neal; 3 Nephews, Ja'Ion Carter, Tra'Vonne Buford Jr, and Kai'ro Wade; nieces, Kay’Loni Buford and Ka’Niya Wade and a special friend who became like family, Darius Walker. 

Matika is preceded in death by her grandmother, Evonne Buford, uncle, James “Poodie” Buford and grandfather, Gerald Gay, Sr. 

Funeral services will be 2pm Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Spurlin Funeral Home with Rev. Barry Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Duncantown Cemetery. Visitation will be 11am-2pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers will be Arnez Buford, Cecil Buford, John Wade Jr., Darius Walker, Bobby Faulkner, and Donte Logan. 

Honorary pallbearers Tra’Vonne Burford, DaizJon Wade, John Wade III, Orlando Wilson, Sydney Leavell, and James Catlett, Jr.