Ms. Tonya Williams' Obituary
Tonya Annette Williams was born December 27, 1979 to Lee Edna williams-Smith and the late Michael Williams in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
At an early age, she united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Brookhaven.
Tonya matriculated through Brookhaven Public School System where she earned her high school diploma in May of 1998. Throughout her years of junior high and high school, Tonya was a standout basketball player earning many recognitions. In the 1997-1998 season, she was noted as “A key to Brookhaven’s Success”. Her outstanding basketball skills earned her a spot as a Lady Eagle at Meridian Community College.
Though she loved basketball, she would late find a love that would surpass those feelings, the love for her two children, summer and Brandi.
Tonya always loved children. She was known for her numerous contributions to her community. her life’s goal was to make a difference. She embarked on numerous journeys where she believed she’d do just that. She always quoted “No matter where you come from, you are in control of where you are going.”
She served as a caseworker at Meridian High School Freshman Academy and established a daycare center. She also opened Cafe 35 where she served some of Meridian’s finest food.
In 2018, her dedication and hard work earned her a spot as a Top twenty under the age of 40 in Meridian, MS. Tonya over the Lord. Her favorite song was “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”.
She was preceded in death by: her father, her brother, Steve Williams; grandfather, Otho Williams; grandmother, Costello Williams; and uncle, William Hughes.
Those special people she leaves to celebrate and cherish her memories are: her daughters: Summer Dancy and Brandy Williams, both of Meridian, MS; her mother, Lee Edna Williams-Smith of Biloxi, MS; four sisters: Chiquita Williams of Meridian, MS, LeeAnn Williams of Biloxi, MS; Gabby Harris of New York and Kia Williams of Brookhaven. MS; a special friend: Stacey Burrage-Pratt of Meridian, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family, and friends who will miss her dearly.
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