Obituary

Wonda Elizbeth Davis, 79, passed away on October 6, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by love, determination, curiosity, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Wonda was the eldest daughter of Clarence Preston Davis Sr. and Thelma Evadne Davis (née Padmore). She inherited her entrepreneurial spirit from her mother, a self-made businesswoman who owned and operated beauty salons, beauty schools, and residential properties.

Wonda began her career as Director of her mother's Apex Beauty School, where she hired and trained staff, supported school operations, and counseled students and graduates as they began their careers. She later earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from Mercy College.

After meeting her husband, Elmer (Moe), in 1985, Wonda moved to Newark, New Jersey, in 1994. Following in her mother's footsteps, she opened her own salon, Hair Detail by Wonda.

In 1997, Wonda began what would become her true calling as a cosmetology educator. She taught at North 13th Street School and later Payne Tech, where she spent decades educating, mentoring, and encouraging generations of students. She also served as a State Board examiner and took great pride in seeing former students build successful careers and businesses of their own. She retired from education in June 2022.

Outside the classroom, Wonda embraced life with curiosity and independence. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, real estate agent, business owner, avid reader, traveler, gardener, and lifelong learner. She loved music, Black history and culture, and meeting new people wherever she went. Proudly Brooklyn born, Wonda carried her roots with her everywhere.

Wonda was also a member of Union Baptist Church and was baptized in 2025.

Above all, Wonda loved her family. She shared 32 years of marriage with her husband, Elmer, and was a great mother to Scott (Stacey Davis), Whymia, and Destiny, and a proud grandmother to Spencer and Serenity.

She is also survived by her siblings, Michael Davis (Alicia Davis), and Michelle Ponder (William Ponder), along with her beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, former students, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Wonda was predeceased by her parents, Clarence Preston Davis Sr. and Thelma Evadne Davis, and her brother, Clarence Preston Davis Jr.

Wonda will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her love of people, and the way she encouraged those around her to believe in themselves. Her impact lives on through her family, her students, and the countless people fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

To know Wonda was to love her.