Salina Latoya Cummings died peacefully on April 28, 2026 from a sudden illness. Salina was

born in Staten Island on March 2, 1980 to Cecelia Govan and James McCrimmon, and lived

between Staten Island and Georgia until settling into Utica New York with her family at the age

of 11. Salina attended Proctor HS. She married Yusuf Miles Sr. on August 28th 2004. They had

four beautiful children together, Yusuf Ali Jr., Nija Aaliyah Shavon, Selim Elijah Ali and Khalil

Jamar. Salina devoted her life to raising and providing for her children, often singlehandedly.

She was the backbone of her family. Her love and sacrifice for her children was her most proud

accomplishment and what she will be most remembered for.

Salina also showed her steadfast devotion at work. She began working at The Bagel Grove in

Utica in 1999 and worked there for 27 years. She was extremely beloved by decades of her co-

workers and customers. Many of whom came to visit her in her final days and show their love

and support. Salina was the type of person who would listen compassionately to anyone who

needed to talk. She rarely complained about her own life, and instead offered a loving shoulder

for others to cry on. She could also lighten any moment with her amazing sense of humor. Over

3 decades she mixed cream cheese flavors, counted down registers, held employee “talks”,

made expert bagel sandwiches and silently managed the entire store with quiet authority and

unwavering standards.

Salina is survived by her son Yusuf and his partner Patty and their two sons Yusuf and Maliq,

her daughter Nija and her son Kayden, her son Selim and her son Khalil. Also her sistersShaquan, Charee, Danielle, and Starr, her brothers Alex, Chris and Kadeem, her Aunts Emily,

Cynthia and Estelle, her Uncle Rob and many more aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

She was predeceased by her grandmother Ossie Govan and mother Cecelia Govan.

The family extends thanks to all who cared for Salina at the end of her life: The staff at St.

Luke’s Rehab Center, Valley Health Rehab in Herkimer, and Wynn Hospital.

 Salina family gathered privately to honor her life. Arrangements are under the guidance of John L Matt funeral Home, 

Chadwicks,NY.   To send an online greeting go to: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com

A celebration of life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to

Autism Speaks. Or if you want to help support the family, donations can be made at the Bagel

Grove in Utica where a fund has been set up in Salina’s honor.