Remembering Lynja: The TikTok Star Whose Cooking and Charm Touched Millions

Lynn Yamada Davis, also known as Lynja, died at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer, causing great sadness in the online community. Her rise to stardom began on TikTok, where her ‘Cooking with Lynja’ account amassed over 17 million followers.

Davis, who was born in New York City on July 31, 1956, had a distinguished career in telecommunications before diving into the world of TikTok. She received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from MIT and a master’s degree in business administration and public health from Columbia University. Davis, a trailblazing female engineer, left an indelible imprint on her profession.

During the Covid pandemic in 2020, her foray into TikTok was a collaborative effort with her son Tim. The videos showed her preparing various dishes while accompanied by amusing special effects and current TikTok slang. From wonton soup to buffalo wings, her culinary creations appealed to both Baby Boomers and Generation Z.

Davis’ fame crossed borders, with fans recognizing her on the streets of Japan and Italy. Tim, her son, emphasized her significance, recalling instances when she was approached for photographs during family visits to Nashville.

Davis died on January 1, 2024, at the Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, New Jersey, of esophageal cancer, according to TMZ. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2019, it progressed to esophageal cancer in 2021. Davis remained strong throughout her ordeal, even baking biscuits for the nurses who cared for her.

Davis’ legacy lives on through the continuation of her TikTok account, which she shares with her second husband Keith Davis, four children, two siblings, and two grandchildren. Tim, her son and content partner, announced the account’s eventual inactivity after uploading the last video he shot with his mother. Despite the depressing news, videos of Davis’s happier moments, such as a recent trip to Italy, are still being shared following her wishes.

Fans and TikTok creators have flooded her videos with heartfelt tributes, demonstrating Lynja’s profound influence on the platform and beyond. Lynn Yamada Davis leaves a rich legacy of joy, creativity, and culinary delights that her millions of fans will treasure.

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Quincy Thomas

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