Violetta "Vita" Zelikov

Vita was born in Kishinev, Moldova in 1984 to Sergey and Tanya Zelikov. She and her family immigrated to the United States, specifically to Memphis in 1991, where she made her home for the rest of her life. Far from ordinary, she saw the potential for every day and lived life to the fullest. Her zest for life and travel, as well as the passion and integrity she brought to her work, was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Vita graduated from the University of Memphis in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Thought. She would later receive her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University. After graduating in 2007, Vita began work as a private investigator at Inquisitor, Inc. She became the President of Inquisitor, Inc. in 2016, a position she held until her passing. At Inquisitor, she met her business and life partner, Jennifer Hoff. They shared the belief that everyone deserves a fair defense, and it was this conviction that drew out their best selves. They worked together night and day to provide the highest quality of investigative services, honoring and continuing the legacy of Ronald Lax, the founding President of Inquisitor, Inc.

Vita meant so much to so many, touching people’s lives with her energizing and alluring personality. Her outer beauty reflected her inner beauty. She was kind, compassionate, and never met a stranger. She believed in her work and the power of justice, and her life stands as testament to both. Although her death was a profound loss to the community and everyone that knew her, she is now free from this cruel disease. She will be missed by all her family, friends, associates, defendants, and everyone that she has touched, especially her 2 adorable Cavapoos, Sunny and Archie, affectionately known together as “Sunchie.”

She was devastated by the war in Ukraine, especially by the impact it continues to have on the children as she was born in Moldova (neighboring country to Ukraine). In remembrance of Vita Zelikov's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to UNICEF USA efforts in Ukraine. unicefusa.org/ukraine

As part of the donation, a dedication card can be emailed to: Recipient First Name - Vita's; Recipient Last Name - Memorial; Email: vitazelikov.memorial@gmail.com

Friends and Family are planning a Celebration of her Life on a later date.