Tonya D. Taborn
1972 - 2023
Tonya D. Taborn
1972 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1972
DIED
2023
Tonya Taborn Obituary
God took one of his angels, Tonya Deshawn Taborn, 51, of North Chesterfield, VA, who passed away on May 4, 2023, after her battle with cancer.
Tonya was born on March 2, 1972, to her devoted mother, Susan A. Taborn in Roanoke, VA. After Tonya graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1990, she studied English at Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA. When she left Roanoke, she decided to make her home in the Petersburg/Chesterfield area and never looked back.
Tonya was a dedicated hard worker and was employed with Allied Chemical-Honeywell, an agent for Nationwide Insurance Company and was employed at Virginia Farm Bureau for almost 20 years.
Tonya loved going on family vacations, her favorite color was blue, was obsessed with butterflies and spent as much time as possible with family and friends. She loved watching her Golden State Warriors play, The Hallmark Channel and The Food Network for many-many-many hours. Tonya was known for her “never met a stranger” personality. She always wanted everyone to know that they were special. Tonya was beautifully made, tall in stature and she gave the best bear “HUGS”.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William Taborn, Jr. and Hettie Taborn, and three uncles, William Spencer Taborn, Aaron Taborn, and Sanford Taborn.
Tonya is survived by her loving mother, Susan A. Taborn (devoted papa Fred Hines); sister, Tracy Delight Johnson (Michael); uncle, Douglas Taborn (Delphine); devoted aunt, Emiko “Grover” Taborn; three nieces, Tatiana “Puddinpop” Piper (Jordan), Michaiah “Lollipop” Johnson, and Tirzah “Sugarpop” Johnson; two great nieces, Raelynn “Tootsiepop” Piper and Zoralee “Babypop” Piper; five godchildren, Devin Stovall, Michael Hicklin, Jr., Mikahla Hicklin, Nyla Gillus and Kyle Gillus; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 27, 2023, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Sherry M. Wright, eulogist.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
Gennifer Smith-Harris
May 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. ❤
Donnetta Wells
May 2, 2024
What a wonder blessed godly spirit tonya had.Im thanking I met her.
Mary Riles
May 29, 2023
Tracy, I am so sorry for your lost. I can't imagine how you must feel because I can't imagine being without my sister. It's got to be rough but I know God has your back and will help you through this sad time. Keeping you
and your family in my prayers.
Micholyn Holmes
May 27, 2023
Tonya was an amazingly caring person. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Vanessa Garrett
May 27, 2023
Tonya my friend was an amazing person. I will always remember her for her kind and gentle spirit. She gave the best hugs. I never heard her complain.
Alhough she is no longer with us physically I know she is with me in spirit. She was one of the few people who called me Nessa. I know she is resting in the arms of Jesus. No more suffering or pain. You are missed..Luv you my friend..
Leanne Follis
May 26, 2023
My deepest sympathies go out to Tonya’s mom and all her family and friends, including her VAFB family. While I had only recently had the pleasure of meeting Tonya this past 9 months during her most recent health battle, she was always positive and warm, despite what she was going through. I never had the chance to meet her in person but felt like I still knew her kindness and could feel her smile through the phone. My prayers are with you all as you face the days ahead, and I hope the memories you have will bring you peace. God is holding her today and what an Angel Heaven has received.
Kim Jackson
May 25, 2023
Tonya was one of the sweetest and most kind-hearted people you could ever have the privilege to have known. Her smile, her laugh, her kind words and her sneezes that woke everyone up at work, will truly be missed but always remembered. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all her family and friends. Rest in peace Tonya, you will be missed.
Debbie Blake
May 25, 2023
My life has been blessed by having known you and calling you my friend. You are greatly missed and loved. Never will I see a butterfly gracefully float by and not think of you. You are the best! Rest in peace my sweet friend. My deepest sympathies and prayers go to your family.
Linda Moore
May 24, 2023
It's hard to put into words what TT meant to me. She was such a loving, caring, compassionate person. Always thinking about others. She gave the best hugs and was a great listener. She is one that could tell if something was wrong without you telling her. I remember her saying "Lin what can I do to help". We all got a laugh every time she sneezed. She was head cheer leader for our "Property Rocks" team at VAFB. Encouraged everyone to do their best and be their best. I will so miss her, but every time I see a butterfly, I will think of her. Rest on in the arms of our Lord my friend. You will never be forgotten.
Krista Thompson
May 19, 2023
There are no words to express how deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Tonya. She was truly a beautiful person inside and out. I will never forget her. Rest on my friend. You will be greatly missed....Krista Lee
Michele & Joel Thomas
May 17, 2023
Tonya was such a sweet, kind, and gentle soul. Sending all my love and prayers to her family and friends. You will be missed always!
Anita Word
May 15, 2023
I will always remember Tonya fondly. She was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. We got the chance to create some beautiful and lasting memories. It brings me some peace to know she is dancing and laughing again in a new body with Christ in joy and without pain. I'll miss, remember and love you until we meet again. Rest in power my beautiful sister.
Love, Anita Word (your other sister)
Lisa Belcher
May 15, 2023
Sincerest condolences and prayers of comfort to Tonya’s family and friends. May she rest in the arms of the Lord in paradise forevermore.
Deba Martin
May 15, 2023
Tonya was such an inspiration to everyone. she will be missed. Payers to your family.
Stacee and Tonya
Stacee Lewis
May 14, 2023
Prettiest girl in Jr. High. I am so sad right now. This was supposed to be another fight you would win. My sweet friend, I will miss you, our talks, and our laughs. I will remember the Thursday’s You, Krista and I had our girl time and we would laugh endlessly and couldn’t wait for the next week. Rest now my sister. I love you! I miss you!
JEAN GRAHAM
May 12, 2023
Tonya was a very sweet, friendly and kindhearted friend. She always had a smile on her face no matter how much pain she was in or what she was going through. The first thing Tonya would always ask me when I saw her was how my family and I were doing. Tonya will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family. Rest in Peace Tonya.
Velvet Perdue
May 12, 2023
My condolences to the family Tonya was a beautiful person she will be missed love Velvet
Lakisha Gillus
May 11, 2023
Tonya and my sister-in-love (Rachel) were best friends, and my brother thought of her as a sister. Tonya had a sweet and humble spirit and a contagious smile. She will be missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richell Jones
May 11, 2023
My condolences to the family. Tonya ‘s smile was like a ray of sunshine . Her laughter and loving spirit will always be remembered by many .
Robin Ferguson
May 11, 2023
I have read so many comments in the memory of this kind selfless soul. She was definitely an angel amongst us, spreading her love wherever she traveled. You connected with me as your sister immediately many years ago.
I will always remember those tight genuine hugs. Your will to live and strength is a lesson well taught! Rest in peace my sister
Eternal love- Robin
Edith Holmes
May 10, 2023
Edith Holmes
May 10, 2023
Edith Holmes
May 10, 2023
There are no words to express how much I will miss this beautiful person. She is one of the best people I have ever known. Rest my Friend
Joy Wells
May 10, 2023
Tonya was an amazing lady! She was gentle and ALWAYS had a smile on her face! She would always great you with a hug! She would always ask how you were doing and never complained about her pain! I am so blessed to have known her! I am sure you are hugging and smiling with your Lord and Savior! Rest in Peace my dearest friend!
Tonya and one of her Goddaughters Mikahla
Lakesha Smith
May 9, 2023
Tonya and one of her Godsons Michael Derek
Lakesha Smith
May 9, 2023
Lakesha Smith
May 9, 2023
Ton you had such a huge heart, you loved ALLLLL of your babies individually and completely! They were all so special to you. They will miss you very much but the imprint you left on their lives is forever. They will always make you proud. Until we meet again my friend. Kesh
Devin
May 9, 2023
To my Godmom words can’t express what I feel but I’m at peace knowing you’re at peace and with Jesus. Thank you for everything until we meet again. I LOVE YOU 1000
Marie Charlton Tucker
May 9, 2023
So sad to hear about the loss of Tonya. Sending my love and prayers to the family. May God give you peace during this difficult time.
Jackie
May 9, 2023
Deepest condolences the family of my dearest Tonya! Rest my dear friend! God definitely created an angel when he created you!
MARILYNN HARDYPAIR
May 8, 2023
Tonya will truly be missed we had good times at Honeywell. She was a very kind hearted special friend. My sincere condolences to her family.
Kristin Meredith
May 8, 2023
There are not enough words to describe what a wonderful person Tonya was. She always made our days at work brighter and gave the absolute best hugs. I am going to miss her smiling face, her kind words and her incredibly kind heart. I am praying for all her friends and family, she will be greatly missed...
Angie McDougam
May 8, 2023
You will forever be remembered. Prayers to your Mom and family
Rest In Peace
Judy Jones-Rose
May 8, 2023
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Tonya,I met Tonya at Allied Chemical years ago.She was such a sweet and loving person and friend.To her family May God be with you.You have truly lost an angel.
May She Rest In Peace
Cindy Vandanna
May 8, 2023
Tonya was always so helpful and knowledgeable in her role with Virginia Farm Bureau. I often needed to call policy services and hearing her answer was a joy as she was always pleasant, and I knew she would always provide good service. My heart goes out to the family who are in my prayers for comfort. Tonya brought light to our days, and she will be missed.
Lashawn Terry
May 8, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family Tonya will truly be missed, I will forever cherish our memories
Sharon Jefferson
May 8, 2023
TO THE FAMILY OF TONYA YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS SHE WILL DEFINITELY BE MISSED SHE HAS BEEN A LONGTIME FRIEND OF MY FAMILY HER AND MY NIECE LAKESHA WAS VERY CLOSE FRIENDS TONYA YOU IN IN THE LORD'S HAND'S NOW SO BABY R.I.H.P. LOVE YOU ❤❤❤❤❤
Holly Cox
May 8, 2023
Tonya was a great person. She will be greatly missed.
Kerri Miller
May 8, 2023
Tanya, may you rest in peace, dear sister. I met you at a sales conference at Farm Bureau many years ago and at the time had only talked to you a few times on the phone, I knew you were a very special person and I was immediately drawn to your calm but strong presence. My prayer to your family as they navigate through this difficult transition. You truly will be missed.
Diane Hudobenko
May 8, 2023
Tonya was a light to us all. Wishing her family and many friends, peace and comfort.
Jenniferq Blanchard
May 8, 2023
Although I only worked with Tonya from afar, she was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Sending love and prayers to her friends and family. What a blessing she was.
Shalanda Thornton
May 7, 2023
My sweet loving Mama TT, It is hard to put into words how much knowing you changed me . You were always in my corner , supporting and encouraging me. Your laugh , smile and hugs were contagious to everyone around you . Our Angel walking amongst us . I will dearly miss you. I will cherish the videos and photos you sent me over the years until we meet again, love you always , your “baby girl “ ❤
Robin Warner
May 7, 2023
For as long as your sister and I have been best friends, you have been my sister also. I will truly miss our earthly travels together. Until we meet again, sweet Tonya, rest.
Robin Warner
May 7, 2023
Robin Warner
May 7, 2023
One of the strongest, yet gentlest women I have had the pleasure of knowing. Rest sweet girl. We will meet again.
Stacey Divers-Turner
May 7, 2023
Tonya, I will always treasure our time together. I have always been fond of your presence, dedication and loyalty to those you loved. Your will of survival, beautiful smile and kind heart will live within many always. Heaven gained an angel, when Jesus called you home.
My forever Guardian Angel. I will miss you here on earth but look forward to the day we will be back together laughing, singing and dancing in heaven
Tracy Johnson
May 7, 2023
You were my first best friend! Rest in peace sissy
Tracy Johnson
May 7, 2023
My sweet baby sister, I love you and I thank you for always loving me
Tracy Johnson
May 7, 2023
Tracy Johnson
May 7, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful sister, aunt and friend. I will love you and miss you always.
Bonnie Coleman
May 7, 2023
Tonya was the most sweet, gentle and kind hearted person you would ever know. Her gentle voice of reason would always meet you with a beautiful smile. I am truly heart broken that such a sweetheart is no longer physically here with us but forever in our hearts. Praying for her family that peace like a river flows through their hearts knowing that she's no longer in pain. Ride high sweetheart for one day we will see each other again ❤.
Teresa Custalow
May 7, 2023
Tonya was one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. She gave wonderful hugs and when I asked how she was doing she NEVER complained. As others noted, she ALWAYS had a smile on her face. She brightened up my day whenever I saw her. She will be missed and thought of often. Heaven got a special angel on May 4. Love, sympathy and prayers go out to her family.
Lakesha Smith
May 5, 2023
My dear sweet friend we’ve always been together so I’m not sure how to go on without you? Over 40 years of friendship, many many trials and tribulations. I promise to always make you proud because I know you are always with me, my butterfly, my voice of reason, my encourager. I love you my forever friend. Yes I LOVE YOU MORE! Kesh
Andy Caviness
May 5, 2023
We only met in person a few times, but talked a lot over the course of my 18 years. Tonya was wonderful to talk to, and of course help me when I needed it. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I know you will miss her, and I will as well. I pray that God will give you peace.
Barbara Miller
May 5, 2023
Tonya was such an inspiration to everyone she met. She always had a smile on her face. She cared about you even thought she was always fighting a battle. She will be greatly missed at VFB. Fondly, Barbara Miller
Lisa Whitus
May 5, 2023
Tonya was one of a kind, a pure heart and a friend to you no matter what!!! She blessed me with each hug we shared and I will miss her greatly. There is comfort in knowing that she is at last singing with the Angels & sharing her beautiful smile with everyone who has gone thru the pearly gates!!! We'll hug again one day my friend!!!!!!
Brenda Wright
May 5, 2023
My heart hurts hearing of Tonya's passing. Her beautiful smile will be missed. I am honored to have known her. I pray God will comfort the family knowing she is in His presence.
Janet Johnson
May 5, 2023
First, I'd like to thank you Tonya for the advice and encouragement you sent my way last year during my Cancer fight. I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but my sister Joyce would relay your messages and encouragement. To Tonya's family she was such a blessing and a sweet, sweet person, I'm sorry I never got to meet her face to face. I hope that God holds you in the palm of his hands and gives you the strength you need to make it through these tough times. May HE continue to bless you all.
Kim Price
May 5, 2023
Tonya was one of the sweetest people that I have had the absolute privilege to know. I have worked with her for many years and her kindhearted spirit is a testimony to me and many others. I will miss her so very much. My sincere condolences to her family.
Joyce Johnson
May 5, 2023
Sending my sincere condolences to Tonya's Family. She was an absolutely amazing soul. She was such a positive light and so selfless even in the midst of everything she was going through. May God strengthen you and give you peace during this difficult time. Hold on to those memories of Tonya and know that she is free and at rest. God Bless and Keep you all.
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102 South Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220
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