Overweight Pooch

Tonya Davis, affectionately known as Pooch was born September 18, 1970, in Harlem, NY to Annie Ruth Davis and Leroy Brown. She spent her early childhood navigating NYC and enjoying all the benefits of growing up in such a progressive city. She attended parochial school at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary through 8th grade and then briefly attended St. Mary's High School. Whether Pooch was hanging with friends "on the stoop", looking for the next block party, or spending the summer with family in South Carolina, her larger-than-life personality stood out. She always took center stage and because she was unapologetically her authentic self, people naturally gravitated to her. In July 1987, Pooch relocated to Phoenix, AZ, and attended Maryvale High School. The move to Phoenix was a huge transition from life in NY, however, Pooch's entrepreneurial spirit seized the opportunity and created The Overweight Pooch Brand. From spitting lyrics with her unique style at local talent shows to a record deal with A&M Records in 1990, Pooch made a name for herself locally and nationally. Working on several collaborations with various artists and organizations like Ghetto Government, she helped carve a path for others and demonstrated why she earned the title “Female Preacher”. Pooch Married Nathaniel Taylor on May 28th, 1999. They were blessed with three children. She was a devoted mother who selflessly demonstrated her love of family and friends, often opening her home & heart to those in need. Pooch returned to school and earned an Associate Degree from Phoenix College in 2017. After years of building clientele and growing a successful braiding business, she opened her shop, Taylor Made Braids in 2019 and patented an essential CBD Oil. She was a true businesswoman at heart. Pooch passed from this life to eternal life on September 23, 2021 [AH].