Zipporah Ruth Sunshine Cyars

Zipporah Ruth Sunshine Cyars, born on November 21, 2000, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away on July 25, 2025, in her hometown of Lansing. She was 24 years old. Zipporah, affectionately known as“Poyah,” brought light and warmth to those around her. Her radiant smile could brighten any room, and her presence left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. From the very beginning of her life, she stood out—arguably the most beautiful baby in the family—and continued to shine with a unique spirit that touched many. She pursued her education at Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan, where she majored in Sign Language, Nutrition, and Psychology. Her academic interests reflected her deep curiosity about the world and her desire to understand and support others. Zipporah had a wide range of passions that showcased her vibrant personality. She found joy in writing poetry, riding her bike through the city she loved, caring for natural hair, swimming, reading books that sparked her imagination, and singing with heartfelt emotion. Her creative soul was perhaps best captured in her own words from a poem she wrote titled “The World is Full of Woes”, which ends with the powerful declaration: *“I am the unbreakable change.”* Her love for family was unwavering. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews and cherished every moment spent with them. Zipporah is lovingly remembered by her parents: Yesenia (Albert) Motley of MI & Joseph (Olivia) Cyars of MI. Her grandparents: Lilia (Erasmo) Cantu of Texas; Eustacio Lozano of Michigan; and Hilda Hansberry of Michigan; Albert and Rita Motley of MI. Siblings Nate’a Taylor; Chartrece (John) Douglas of MI; Bryant Motley; Tiara Motley; Joseph Cyars; and Elijah Cyars all of MI. She also leaves behind her paternal aunts and uncles; Angell (Roderick), David, Davine, Hilda (Jumar), Ilene, Ivan, Aaron, Herrod, Leonard, Laurie, Eleazar, and Tawsig all of MI. Her maternal aunts and uncles; Angelita, Ricardo (Kiley), Carlos (Dominique), Ivana, Isabel (Edward) all of MI and Tammy and Terrye Jackson & Delmar and Camille Motley of NV. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close relatives who will continue to honor her memory. A celebration of Zipporah’s life will be held to reflect the beauty she brought into this world and the legacy she leaves behind. May those who knew Zipporah find comfort in their memories of her laughter, creativity, and boundless love. Her spirit remains unbroken—a change that continues to inspire. A Service will be held on July 29, 2025, 1:00 PM at Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 406 N. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. THE WORLD IS FULL OF WOES By Zipporah Cyars The world is full of woes, a curveball life will always throw. Some if not all of us will feel incomplete, but that’s our minds’ way of propelling us forward, so to speak. The world is full of woes. Not every flower completely grows. Some live in the shade, others get stepped on over and over. None got to choose where to bloom, not sadness or doom covers their lives, just the want and dedication to solely thrive. The world is full of woes. I am told that’s just how the story goes, but not mine, I say, I am the unbreakable change.

Zipporah Ruth Sunshine Cyars

November 21, 2000 - July 25, 2025