Naya was the go-to person for friends needing encouragement, comfort, and prayer.

 - an independent go-getter with an infectious smile that reflected the spiritual beauty she possessed inside. At 22 (forever 22) Naya wanted the best for everyone.  She loved her family and doted on her nephews. Above all, Naya wanted to do something with her life! 

After attending Lincoln Elementary and Hillside Middle School she graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Naya attended Western Michigan University and studied Criminal Justice with hopes of helping others. Evidence of her progress towards reaching her life’s goal was her employment as a Direct Care Staff member with a Mental Health Behavioral Stabilization program. 

Naya loved cheerleading. She began Northside Rocket Football at the age of three and continued throughout her junior year of high school with competitive and side-line cheer, for which she received multiple awards and recognition.

At the age of two, Naya dedicated her life to New Life Fellowship Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Jesse Herron. In 2006, the family joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Addis Moore, where she participated in the Praise Dance ministry. In July 2018, Naya rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized along with her brother, Christopher Reynolds Jr. 

There was joy in watching her insist that family members be color-coordinated in their dress for events and pictures. There was joy in seeing her entrepreneurial spirit develop and manifest in creative ventures and projects. There was joy in witnessing her love and devotion to God and family. 

It is our hope that Naya's memory and legacy will live on through this Family Memorial Scholarship, created to benefit young ladies like her!

Naya's Mother, Maya Davis serves as Director of the "Forever 22 Naya J. Reynolds Foundation. This non-profit organization was founded and led by Maya and several family members whose lives were forever changed by Naya's passing. The Foundation intends to honor Naya and other victims of gun violence by turning tragedy into a moment of transformation. The goal is to  empower youth and unite people to take meaningful action in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Our platform provides a simple and effective way for you to help us raise funds and assist us in making a difference. 

DONATE by mail: 

Forever 22 Naya J. Reynolds Scholarship

P.O. Box 1622

Portage, MI 49081-1622

OR

 ONLINE USING THE LINK BELOW:

http://pay.forever22nayajreynoldsscholarship.com/