Ciatonya Davis

Cia’Tonya Monique Davis, affectionately known as Cia (Shay) and Punkin, was born on July 7, 1980, to Drusilla Davis and Jeffrey Peaks in Columbus, Ohio. Cia was the beloved mother of three beautiful children: Corey Michael Evans, Jr., her son, and her daughters, Chani Mileah Davis and Cimya Monique Davis. Her greatest joy was being their mother—loving, supporting, and guiding them with the same compassion and dedication she showed everyone around her.

From an early age, Cia’s life was rooted in faith and family. She was baptized at Mount Hermon Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Donald J. Washington and faithfully attended church with her beloved grandmother Mawmaw and great-grandmother, Evelyn (Granny) Peaks. Her joy was contagious; she loved to sing, dance, and bring laughter wherever she went.

Cia proudly graduated from Groveport Madison High School and continued her education at Central State University. A true sports enthusiast, she played basketball, volleyball, and ran track in middle and high school—always demonstrating the same determination, spirit, and energy that defined her life. Her favorite football team was the San Francisco 49ers. Cia especially enjoyed shopping trips to Northland Mall with her dear cousin Kendra and shared countless family meals at Frenchy’s. These outings became cherished memories filled with laughter, love, and connection. She inherited her bold and unique fashion sense from her Mawmaw during those shopping trips. Cia loved creating her own looks, especially with her signature T-shirts and her impressive collection of sneakers in every color.

Her passion for cooking led her to work alongside her mother in the family catering business, DMC Catering. With a heart for children and a background in childhood development, Cia also worked as a teacher at her cousin’s daycare, The Higher Peaks Learning Academy. She later held positions at Octapharma Plasma Center and the United States Postal Service, where she continued to spread her warmth, kindness, and strong work ethic.

Cia was preceded in death by her father, Jeffrey Peaks; her stepfather, Russell (Buddy) Howard; her maternal grandfather, James E. "Sug" Davis; her maternal grandmother, Marjorie Davis; her paternal grandfather, Emmett Smith, Jr.; her great-grandparents, Evon and Evelyn Peaks; and her aunt, America Davis-Miller.

Cia leaves to mourn and celebrate her life: her loving mother, Drusilla Howard; her children—Corey Evans, Jr., Chani Davis, and Cimya Davis; her brother, Mario Davis; stepbrother, Gerald Howard; grandmother, Bernice Smith; grandfather, Leon C. Bradley; uncles—Michael Davis, Bernard Bradley, and Marvin Peaks; aunts—Deborah Davis, Dorothy Peoples, and Cheryl (Mylo) Simmons; great-aunt, Teresa Smith; nephew, Maxwell Davis; nieces, Mylah and Aubrey; first cousin, Tyler Simmons; bonus daughters, Ala’Yah Ayers and Ebony Brown; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Cia’s greatest gift was the love she gave so freely. She embraced her family and friends with an open heart, treating everyone she met with warmth, kindness, and sincerity. To know Cia was to know genuine love. Her laughter could brighten any room, and her spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she touched. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, strength, and joy. While her presence will be deeply missed, the love she poured into her children, family, and community will live on, forever etched in our hearts.