Ronnise Handy

With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Ronnise Courtney Handy, who passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2026. Her sudden passing sent ripples of disbelief through her community but we take comfort in knowing she is now at rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Born on November 1, 1963 in Bronx, New York City, Ronnise was a woman of deep faith, unwavering dedication, and a heart that beat strongly for her family and her community. She was the beloved daughter of the late Saundra Tilghman Thomas and the late Arlan Handy. Ronnise was blessed with two fathers and her love for the late Paul Thomas was undeniable and strong. Ronnise was also held in love by her grandmother Doris Tilghman and their bond would provide strength throughout her childhood and adult years. Ronnise was family oriented and raised in Bowie, Maryland  where she cherished relationships with close cousins, like Bruce Thomas and other loved ones. She was a proud graduate of Bowie High School where she made lifelong friends like DeAnthea, Reggie, Cheryl and Melvin.

After high school, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was initiated into the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She shared many heartfelt memories with her line sisters and sharpened her skills in finance. She later moved to Ohio to earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

A Cincinnatian by choice, Ronnise dedicated her professional life to the city she grew to love. In 2007, she made history as the first Chief Financial Officer for the Cincinnati Fire Department, where she served as a trusted steward of the department’s finances for 15 years. Her expertise and passion for public service later led her to Xavier Jesuit School, where she combined her passion and faith for the youth.

While her professional accomplishments were significant, it was her commitment to service through Delta Sigma Theta that truly exemplified her spirit. At the time of her passing, she was an active and cherished member of the Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter. Her sorors were her sisters in every sense of the word and Ronnise found immense joy in the fellowship and shared purpose with the women in crimson and cream.

Ronnise’s profound Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her steps and inspiring her commitment to uplifting those around her. As a cradle Black Catholic, this faith carried her through every chapter of her story. This same spirit of service extended to her entire community. She shared her wisdom as a board member of the Cincinnati Boychoir and active member of Pink Ribbon Good. In her spare time, she enjoyed volunteering at her parish, championing social justice causes, fellowshipping with friends, or simply being present for those who needed a gentle smile or a helping hand.

Above all, Ronnise’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her daughter, Alexis Davis. There was no greater honor to her than being a mother. She was Alexis’s biggest cheerleader and her safest place to land. Their bond was the central pillar of her life, and her love for Alexis was the purest expression of her being. Their time together as a mother-daughter duo was meaningful and created an intrinsic bond that will forever live in Alexis’s heart.

Ronnise’s kindness, grace, laugh, and determined spirit will be profoundly missed by her family, sorority sisters, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Alexis Davis; her brother Michael Thomas, her sister Dale Handy, sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., loving cousins, and close family friends.

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