Danya Renee Soltis

Danya Renee Soltis, born November 1, 1997, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away far too soon on March 11, 2026, in Brunswick, Georgia. She was only 28 years old, and yet the love she gave and the light she carried filled a lifetime.

Danya grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania, where her bright mind, compassionate heart, and vibrant personality quickly became known to everyone who met her. She had a rare gift; the ability to walk into a room and make people feel seen, valued, and comfortable. She could talk with anyone, about anything, and people naturally gravitated toward her warmth and sincerity. Friends often said that Danya had a special presence that brightened any room and made every conversation more meaningful.

A graduate of Beaver High School, Danya pursued higher education with determination and pride. She began her college journey at George Washington University and later completed her bachelor’s degree at Penn State. At the time of her passing, she was just finishing her master’s degree in professional counseling at Carlow University, an accomplishment that meant so much to her and reflected both her intellect and her deep desire to help others.

Danya was known for her strong work ethic and dependable spirit. She worked at Wawro’s Bar and Grille in Aliquippa and later at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, where coworkers and patrons alike admired her kindness, humor, and dedication. Whether serving guests or spending time with friends, she had a natural way of making people feel important and welcomed.

Those who knew Danya will remember her as intelligent, loving, witty, and deeply thoughtful. She was clever and quick with humor, able to find laughter even in difficult moments. She loved meaningful conversations, long talks about life, ideas, and the world around her. She was curious, always reading, always learning, and carried a lifelong love of knowledge.

Danya also had a soft spot for animals, especially cats. Her beloved cat Captain kept her company in Georgia, while Mini, Gucci, and Major remained cherished members of her extended family in Pittsburgh. She loved looking her best, joking about being “a queen,” and bringing joy and laughter to those around her.

She cared deeply about the world and the people in it. Danya was passionate about social justice and spoke often about the importance of standing up for others—especially women, marginalized communities, and those whose voices are too often unheard. Compassion and empathy guided the way she lived her life.

Danya was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Melinda Sallis Byrd, and her stepbrother, Michael Atkins.

She is survived by her loving parents, Danielle Soltis and Donald A. “Dunt” Byrd; her siblings, Danae Selby, Anthony Soltis, Seth Atkins, and Dante Atkins; and her grandparents, Mary Kay Wawro, John and Jackie Soltis, Jim Neri and Suzan Reid, and Donald R. “Dunt” Byrd. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts and uncles, Deanna (Phil) Koch, Jacy Martinez, Carli (Patrick) Blackwell, Damian Byrd, Dorian Byrd, Rosalyn (Jason) Thomas, Melinda (Stephen) Vreen, and Samantha Byrd, along with many cousins who adored her and shared a special bond with her. She is also lovingly remembered by Rashaud McElvy Sr., his son Rashaud McElvy Jr., Jordan Lawson, and Yvette Lawson who held a special place in her heart.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Danya’s life on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. at The Holiness Church of Christ Deliverance Center, 6349 Tuscarawas Road, Industry, PA 15052.

Those wishing to honor Danya’s memory may make memorial contributions to Steel Smiling, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy, and awareness (429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219).

Those who knew Danya will remember the light she brought into the world and the kindness she carried with her every day. Her life reminds us that even in a short time, one person’s compassion, intelligence, humor, and love can leave a lasting imprint on countless hearts.