Shonyta Pouncéy

Shonyta Pouncéy, a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away on August 12, 2025, in Cerritos, California, at the age of 51. Born on March 7, 1974, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Shonyta was known for his larger-than-life smile and his unwavering love for his family and friends.

A dedicated Coach and Student Intervention Assistant (SIA), Shonyta was a cherished member of the ABC Unified School District and Segerstrom High School Communities. In 2006 and 2007, he helped lead Artesia High School's Boys Basketball program to back to back CIF Division III State Championships. In 2020, Shonyta clinched the CIF Division 5AA Championship with the Artesia High School's Womens Basketball program. His passion for the game was matched only by his commitment to building strong programs for student athletes, whom he inspired both on and off the court. Most recently, he led the Segerstrom High School Jaguars to 3 league titles and a 2nd round appearance in CIF playoffs last season. This past summer, his 2025-2026 team won the Championship in the Palm Springs tournament. In his early years, he spent time on the football field at Cypress High School, Cerritos High School and Artesia High School where he forged friendships with coaches and mentored players, many of whom he still kept in touch with until his very last days.

For those that have the honor to know Shonyta, his life legacy goes beyond the court and field. He worked tirelessly to create and build long lasting dynasties that hold traditions even today. This can be clearly seen in the young men and women who want to come back and spend time learning even after their playing years are over. Additionally, those who coached along side him always have a spot on the bench or the field when he comes into town- and the after game talks involve more planning and strategy, with a heavy dose of laughs, good memories and plans for future get togethers.

Shonyta married the love of his life in 2015, creating a beautiful blended family that was his pride and joy. His legacy lives on through his wife (Danielle), four children (Gage, Tyler, Joseph and Kaleila), his mother (Patricia), and his brother (Lajuan), all of whom are aching with this loss. He was always excited to share the achievements of his wife and children, with Danielle being a successful Elementary Principal (which he of course spoke into existence), Gage playing football on scholarship at South West Minnesota State University and also graduating with his Masters, Tyler bringing the joy of live music through different bands and symphonies and marching in the University of Michigan Marching Band, Joseph running Cross Country and Track and has now started his Senior year in high school, and Kaleila, whose big personality mimics his and dances on the award winning Cerritos Dance Team.

If you feel inclined to support the family financially, please visit the GoFundMe page established in Shonyta's honor.

The funeral service on Tuesday, August 26th will be live streamed beginning at 8:50am.  Personalized link to the service: streaming.forestlawn.com/773a1f77

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for all the words of support, love, prayers, and condolences received during this difficult time.