Cerinity Da’Jour Nicks passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at the age of 22. Born on October 30, 2003, in Huntington, WV, Cerinity departed this world the same way that she lived it, surrounded in love by her closest family and friends.

Cerinity was a perfect example of resilience, determination, independence and goal setting. As a 2022 graduate of KIPP Columbus, Cerinity’s goal was to one day become a doctor. With this objective in the forefront of her mind, she became a student at The Ohio State University where she initially wanted to be a surgeon. After much thought, being squeamish around blood didn’t sit well with her, so she decided on studying neuroscience and child psychology.

Cerinity approached her undergraduate career with enthusiasm and passion. She quickly learned that the fashionable, expensive sneaker wearing Cerinity had to be replaced with Crocs and sweatpants as she navigated the big campus. Undeterred by every obstacle in her way, Cerinity persevered and put her heart and effort into succeeding in college and one day reaching her career goals. She worked hard as a daycare teacher where she poured her love of learning and creativity into the lives of her students. Nearly every dollar that she made, she put toward financing her college education where she hoped to finish in the spring of 2027.

Cerinity was an avid reader; her bookshelf can be found full of books. She shared her love of books with those around her and was even the only member of her book club. She was a fan of MARVEL movies, especially Spiderman, she is affectionately known as “Spider-Ren”. She found great joy in dragging her brother Jaevion along with her as she saw each new movie. Cerinity was the biggest fan of her brother Darrell’s clothing line “Risk Taker 1820”. She not only wore all his creations but could be found “borrowing” his clothes to wear around campus. Cerinity was a mama’s girl, often dressing like her mom and finding unique activities to do together. She was a daddy’s girl, cherishing the time she had with each visit. She loved to celebrate birthdays, especially her own, where she would plan her perfect day weeks in advance. She made sure to make the birthdays of her closest loved ones special.

Though her time here seems much too short, Cerinity has left a lasting impact on the lives of her family, friends and daycare students. Cerinity is survived by her parents, Jodi Hurd and Anthony Nicks; her brothers Darrell Nicks, Jaevion Nicks, Deontrey Montoya and sister Laila Montoya; grandparents Robin (Russell) Wilson, Major (Sherry) Hurd; aunts Andrea Nicks, Stephanie (Curtis) Muhammad, Geneva Hurd, Katrina Hurd; uncles Arick Nicks, Major (Stacey) Hurd, Brandon (Amber) Fluellin; many cherished great aunts and uncles, cousins, a circle of friends and special friends Jaelyn Drummond and Keisha Kellam. Cerinity was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Carolyn Nicks and uncle Kris Nicks.