Zaniya Ariona Dawkins entered into her eternal rest on July 6, 2026 surrounded by her loving family at Saint Mary's hospital.

Zaniya "Nini" "The Queen" Ariona Dawkins was born on June 17, 2008 in Waterbury, CT to Tyjuan Dawkins and Tanoa Arline. Zaniya was a loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt and a very caring friend to many.

Zaniya worked very hard at everything she pursued and accomplished. Zaniya was able to finish all of her course requirements early in February 2026 and later graduated in June 2026 from Crosby High School. Zaniya had plans to begin college in the fall to pursue a nursing degree. Zaniya worked multiple jobs as well as performing acrylic & gel nail sets, which she successfully taught herself. Zaniya was known for her stylish ways, quick wit, intelligence, ambition and more. Zaniya was a master at "roasting" her family members, observing the smallest details to point out and joke about. Zaniya was also very caring and selfless; she was an advocate for mental health awareness, often sharing words of encouragement on her social media platforms. Zaniya would often cook delicious meals for her family on Saturday mornings and style her sisters' and other relative's hair & nails. Zaniya filled every room with joy and laughter.

Zaniya is survived by her loving parents Tyjuan Dawkins (Jenny Martinez) and Tanoa Arline(Dmitri Heath), her grandparents Robert Arline (Simona Carter), Rose Saunders, Dana Iverson and José Toro, as well as her beloved uncle Devonté Iverson and aunts Tiana Arline & Jarica Taylor. Zaniya's memory is also carried on by her siblings Da'Aijah Heath, Zarnay Dawkins, Kaylani Morales, Zareya Dawkins, Nasair Elliott, Eva Dawkins & Dream Heath, her beloved niece Kataleya Dawkins as well as a host of cousins and friends.

Zaniya has gone to reunite with her great-grandmother Edna Davis, her aunt Shontel Dawkins, her pop-pop Ellis Saunders and her friend Carizma Fox.

Funeral services for Miss Dawkins will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl Street, Waterbury, CT 06704. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with Zaniya’s family from 10:00 a.m. until the service start at 11:00 a.m. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT, 06705, has been honored to assist the Dawkins and Arline family during this most difficult time. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Zaniya to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.