Mrs. Monetta Strong Davis

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Monetta Elunda Strong was born on November 2, 1969, at the University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Bobby Strong and Asylee Richmond (Strong) Gardner. She transitioned to her heavenly home on March 11, 2025. Monetta confessed Christ at an early age and united with the Griffin Chapel United Methodist Church of Starkville, Mississippi, under the leadership of Elder Fred Brown, Sr. She actively participated in Sunday School, sang with the Children and Youth Choir, played the piano for Sunday School, as well as played the flute on special holidays. An exceptional student, Monetta graduated from Starkville High School in 1987. After high school, she continued her education at Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In 1989, Monetta became a member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and was initiated into the Lambda Eta chapter of Mississippi State University. She was active on the campus of Mississippi State University as an Alumni Delegate and member of the Panhellenic Council. After graduating from Mississippi State University, Monetta was employed as a student recruiter for the University and served as secretary for the University’s Black Alumni Society. She continued her postgraduate studies at Mississippi College where she received her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Passionate about working with children, she became an educator teaching in the Jackson, Shelby County, and Memphis Public Schools. Moreover, she was a teacher and assistant principal in Desoto County Schools. In 1998, Monetta married Eric Davis. They were blessed to have a daughter, Mia Erin Davis, who is an Occupational Therapist. In 2011, Monetta and Gregory Szyszuta were blessed with a son, Zenon Gregory Szyszuta, who attends Arlington Middle School in Bartlett, Tennessee. As an extraordinary person, dedicated to service, Monetta sought every opportunity to educate and support children through tutoring and mentoring. Because of her belief in the ideals of “service to all mankind,” she engaged in community activities and remained an active member in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Upsilon Pi Omega chapter in Starkville, Mississippi. Monetta was an active and faithful member of Griffin Chapel United Methodist Church under the leadership of Elder Randy Jones. She was a member of United Women in Faith and the Administrative Council, the chairperson for the Singles Ministry, and routinely taught Vacation Bible School. She leaves to cherish her lasting memory of life and love: Her caring, loving and devoted mother Asylee Richmond Gardner and stepfather Victor “Boss” Gardner; her daughter Mia Erin Davis and son Zenon Gregory Szyszuta; her brother Elijah Strong; four aunts: Martha (Zack) Cannon of St. Charles, Missouri, Yvonne (Robert) Waters of Florissant, Missouri, Fay (Walter) Actwood of Garland, Texas, Charlotte Webb-Reed of Holly Springs, Mississippi; five uncles: Ferry Richmond of Byhalia, Mississippi, Jerry (Denise) Richmond of Holly Springs, Mississippi, William Richmond of Dallas, Texas, Thomas (Vicki) Taylor of Starkville, Mississippi, William (Marineta) Gardner of West Point, Mississippi; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Monetta Strong Davis

November 2, 1969 - March 11, 2025