Ms. Ciniya Nalay Holland

Ciniya passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ciniya Nalay Holland was a victim in a fatal car crash on the USF campus in Tampa, Florida. Details of her passing are under investigation in Hillsborough County. A sudden and tragic end to a beautiful entity. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606, with Rev. Karl Van Richards, Officiating. Her final resting place will be at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 34652.

Ciniya Nalay Holland was born in Hollywood, Florida, a radiant soul with a Caribbean spark and a boundless love for life. A free thinker and creative spirit, she followed her own path with courage, curiosity, and an inner wisdom far beyond her years.

From a young age, Ciniya embraced spirituality, creativity, and self‑expression. She was a poet, dancer, choreographer, model, licensed makeup artist, content creator, and influencer. Her natural charisma drew people in, especially young girls who found confidence and inspiration through her aura on her social media platforms.

Ciniya served as a brand ambassador for several luxury makeup and fashion brands, where her beauty, authenticity, and professionalism shined. She worked in harmony with other creatives on similar paths on a journey of greatness. She was also part of a charitable organization dedicated to helping individuals unlock their creative gifts, discover their purpose, and promote unity among all of humanity. This mission aligned deeply with her heart.

An early graduate of Anclote High School, Ciniya knew her purpose lived outside the typical indoctrinations of the classroom and limits on creative minds and conscious observers of the world. She spoke boldly against injustice, uplifted her community, and used her platform to advocate for humanity. She faced challenges with strength and grace, growing more powerful each day.

Determined and unstoppable, Ciniya worked hard to achieve her dreams—buying her first car cash on her own, building her brand ‘Niya NaLay’ and later stepping into the world of acting. She lived with intention, passion, and a spirit that could not be contained.

Ciniya was loved deeply by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her light. Her legacy of creativity, confidence, and compassion will continue to shine. She made her mother proud every day. She loved her big cousin Nel Marklee Lalanne.

She leaves her loving family to cherish her memory: mother, Daphne Israel; father, Michael R Holland; grandmothers, Faith Holland and Jocelyne Lalanne; grandfather, Michael Holland Sr.; brother, Julion Holland; sister, Raina Holland; and cat, Kai Pichu.

Niya Nalay came from islands whispered by the sea,

where ancestors speak through wind and vibes

and the sun crowns every child with light.

She carried that light within her—

Cici, Tuki, Niya… beloved nicknames of

a glow born of Haitian and Jamaican roots,

of rhythm, of spirit, of ancient knowing.

She walked this world like a blessing,

a creative soul tuned to higher truths,

a heart open to the call of purpose.

Now she returns to the great current,

to the waters that remember her name,

to the ancestors who rise to greet her.

Her spirit is not gone—

it has simply become vast.

A tide that touches every shore,

a light that will never dim.

Her journey continues in the hush of waves,

in the rustle of palm leaves,

in every heart she awakened,

She is beautiful.

She is eternal.

She is a GAWDess.

Ciniya Nalay Holland is Forever Loved.

Her spirit lives on.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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