In Loving Memory of
Davontay Dashawn Staggers, Sr.
Sunrise: August 5, 1993 | Sunset: June 7, 2025
With hearts full of love and eyes full of tears, we honor the life and legacy of Davontay Dashawn Staggers, Sr., affectionately known as Lucci. Born August 5, 1993, Davontay blessed this world with his vibrant spirit, magnetic charm, and a protective, loving soul. He lived with unmatched loyalty — to his family, friends, and community.
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🌟 A Spark from the Start
Davontay came into this world with a spark in his eye and a light in his soul. From the very beginning, he was a loving, joyful child — full of energy, curiosity, and heart. He was truly amazing.
As he grew, his vibrant personality blossomed. He was kind, thoughtful, and full of laughter. He loved to dance, joke around, and bring joy to everyone around him. Teachers loved him — and he loved them right back, always hanging out with them, making them laugh, and becoming a bright spot in every school he attended. No matter where he went, Davontay made friends — loved by classmates, staff, and entire communities across every school he touched.
He shared a special bond with his grandmother, Alsie Seritha Snelling — my mother — and her late husband, Cleo Snelling. Together, they gave him a childhood full of adventure. They took him on camping trips, snow adventures, and spontaneous getaways, creating cherished memories year after year. Their love shaped his heart and strengthened his spirit.
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💙 His Life, His Love
Davontay cherished the simple joys — riding around with his cousin Malik, going live with friends, chilling in the garage with Baka, and sharing a laugh over a cold beer. He lived for his people — always showing up for special events, parties, and moments that mattered. His connection to his Dysart High School community remained strong — built on years of loyalty and love.
He loved giving back, often volunteering alongside Michelle Leticia Dinkins (“Mimi”) at food banks and donation drives. Service came naturally to him. He also joined the St. Mary’s program to pursue culinary arts, showing off his skills and love for cooking.
Together, he and Mimi created memories at concerts, hosted family gatherings, and lived out a love that was rooted in friendship and joy.
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👨👦 A Father’s Pride
Davontay was a proud and loving father, especially to Davontay Jr., who inherited his heart, athleticism, and drive. He tried to never miss a practice or game — a true ‘football dad’ known and loved by the entire sports community.
He got his love for football from his grandfather, Jack Brown, who taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and heart. Though Davontay also enjoyed basketball, football was where his passion truly lived.
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🕊️ The Day Everything Changed
On the morning of June 7, 2025, while his son played in an early football game, Davontay had just returned home from a night out with his cousin Lerrel “General” Jones. That evening, he passed unexpectedly. It was a day of celebration and heartbreak — a reminder of how fleeting and fragile life truly is.
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👨👩👧👦 Survived By His Loving Family
Honorary Wife:Michelle Leticia Dinkins
Mother: Dr. Vivian Wright-Allen
Honorary Mother: Brandy Beard
Grandparents:
• Alsie Seritha Snelling
Siblings:
• Derek Javon Joshua (adopted brother, biological cousin)
• Julius Wright Jr. (younger brother)
• Jailen Wright (stepsister)
Children:
• Davontay Jr.
• Aniyah Williams
Aunties and Uncles:
• Erika Staggers, Jamel Staggers, Nyalsha Ayers
• Jerry Brown Jr., Jordan Byrd, Adrian Byrd
• Clint Jones, Uncle Ike (who rescued him no matter the hour)
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🎖️ A Legacy of Military Service
Davontay came from a strong military legacy:
• Jimmy Leroy Stagger Jr. – U.S. Navy
• Larry Byrd – U.S. Army
• Jerry B. Brown Sr. – U.S. Navy
• Cleo Snelling – U.S. Navy
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🎶 Musical Roots
His grandfather, James Duke Draper, a Hall of Fame musician, introduced him to music and helped shape his creativity.
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🧒🏽 Cousins He Grew Up Closest With
Dior J, Dejuan “Fbizzy”, Malik “Jett”, Zaire, Andrea, Marsha, Alana, Janisha, Fumi, Nason, Zack, Alexa & Ezekiel, Isaiah Ayers IV, EJAY, Jamir, J Malik, Marshare
In Loving Memory: Dartanian (2021), Leo (April 20, 2020)
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🧬 Honoring the Dinkins & Canty Families
We honor the families who supported Davontay’s life:
• Tracy & Travon Dinkins (Michelle’s brothers)
• Momma Dinkins (Michelle’s grandmother)
• Jeneen (Michelle’s mother)
• Raymond Canty (Michelle’s uncle)
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🏍️ Special Tribute: Raymond Canty & The Soul Brothers
We extend our deepest thanks to Raymond Canty — board member and active member of the Soul Brothers Motorcycle Club, and beloved uncle of Michelle Leticia Dinkins. When Davontay was incarcerated, Raymond stepped in as a powerful father figure — offering discipline, consistency, and love.
Hosting this memorial at the Soul Brothers Clubhouse is not just generous — it is sacred. We offer an extra special thanks to Raymond for making this possible and for always showing up with strength, love, and presence.
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⚖️ His Struggles, His Fight
Davontay endured profound mental health struggles, especially after the loss of his stepfather, Julius Lester Wright Sr., who was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 29, 2011. Davontay was 18 when Julius passed — and that loss left a permanent mark on his soul.
Later, he was wrongfully arrested when a friend’s mother called the police. Though he was not involved, he was beaten and charged. And after the birth of his son, U.S. Marshals arrived at the hospital to arrest him — a moment that changed the course of his life.
He experienced repeated mistreatment by law enforcement, including a violent encounter at a Kendrick Lamar concert just days before his passing. Despite it all, Davontay worked on healing, tried to better himself, and never stopped loving his family.
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🔒 Unbreakable: His Fight for Freedom
One of the deepest wounds in Davontay’s story was his wrongful incarceration. He faced what no one should — being torn from his future by a system that didn’t see his full humanity.
Even behind walls, Davontay never lost his fire. He leaned on faith, stayed strong, and stayed connected to his son. He lifted others even in confinement.
Those experiences gave rise to his life’s greatest legacy — The Staggers Foundation: Dignity Suites, ensuring no one else would feel unseen or unworthy.
Davontay was more than his past. He was power, purpose, and love — unbroken until the end.
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👔 His Achievements & Leadership
Davontay was a registered federal business owner, founder of SWA Hurricane Relief in Florida, and an approved government bidder in Maricopa County, Arizona.
He turned his vision into paperwork, approval, and real-world impact.
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🏘️ His Legacy: Dignity Suites
Out of sorrow, something sacred was born. In honor of Davontay’s life, The Staggers Foundation: Dignity Suites was launched — a transitional housing program for people rebuilding after incarceration or hardship.
Because Davontay believed in second chances — especially for those the system tried to forget.
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🎓 In Honorary Mentorship
Shawn Fonseca, Richard Dumas, Jove R. Ford, Ronald Garden, Jonathan Gardner, Tony Samuel, Dwayne Fontana and Sean Higgins.
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🌹 Extra Special Thanks
Sandra and Bruce Wright Jr. — parents of Julius Lester Wright Jr.
Marvin Johnson — for his guidance and mentorship
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🕊️ Loved Ones Who Preceded Him in Death
Julius Lester Wright Sr.
James Staggers
micheal staggers
Collette and Henry Owens
beatris obotto
Melvin Jones
Shelise jones
Jack Brown Sr.
Jerry B. Brown Sr.
Jimmy Leroy Stagger Jr.
Larry Byrd
Cleo Snelling
Dartanian
Leo
OG Bobby Dinkins
In Loving Memory: James Duke Draper (Music Hall of Fame, taught Davontay music)
• In Loving Memory: Jack Brown Sr. Vivian Brown
Clinton Hankersin
Toni jones
🌹 Final Thanks: Michelle Leticia Dinkins
To Michelle Leticia Dinkins (“Mimi”) — thank you for being his light. The love you gave him can never be repaid, only honored.
“Even if I’m not here in body — I left the light on so others can find their way home.”
“My purpose didn’t end. It just became yours.”
“I walked through fire so you could walk through the door.”
“Tell them I believed in them. That’s why we built this.”
— Davontay “NE-SHE WA” Staggers, Sr.
Founder of Dignity Suites
Final words from his Honorary Wife
A Letter to My Forever
My love, my Zing…
I’m sorry we don’t get to spend forever together like we planned. God had other plans for us, and while I don’t understand them, I trust there’s purpose in the pain. Still, I will forever be grateful for the time we shared — for the laughter, the late nights, the video games, and your wild ideas, like those random snack runs that turned into adventures.
We built something beautiful — your legacy, your foundation. And I got the honor of being part of that. Thank you for stepping in, for showing up, and for showing out — especially for my first baby, my Poohbear, Niyah. You never let anything stop you, not even when it wasn’t your responsibility — you were there. Even for “Donuts with Dad.” That meant everything.
Me and my babies are so thankful for your soul — for the way you protected us, for the wisdom you shared, for the peace you brought into our home and our hearts. Sleeping in your arms at night felt like the safest place in the world. I never had to question your love.
From the moment I saw you at Dysart — the way you carried yourself, your strength, your energy — I knew. I knew you were going to be mine. I felt your power before you even spoke. And in that moment, I just knew… I wanted to be your queen, to walk beside you, to build life with you.
You gave me something rare and beautiful — your heart. And I will never take that for granted. Thank you for letting me in, for trusting me enough to create memories that will live in me forever. Thank you for showing me what real, unconditional, soul-deep love feels like.
I will miss you more than words could ever explain. I never imagined a life without you — now I’m forced to live one. And it hurts. It hurts so damn much. God’s going to have to do His biggest work to carry me through this one.
But I’ll keep going. For you. Just like we talked about. I’ll keep your love alive in everything I do.
I’ll carry you in my heart always — until we meet again.
Love always and forever,
Your Zing