LaTonya Cherie "Lockett" Warner

LaTonya Warner was born on October 23, 1964, in Houston, Texas, to Charles and Lenora Lockett. She lived a life driven by curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. Raised by her mother in Houston's Sunnyside community, she grew up in a two-bedroom home with her older brother and two sisters. LaTonya defied every odd stacked against her. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer: a dream that spoke to her natural gifts as a critical thinker, problem solver, and someone who loved a good debate. A proud graduate of Fairchild Elementary, Attucks Middle School, and Worthing High School, LaTonya's journey of lifelong learning took her through St. Thomas University and the University of Phoenix, where she earned her MBA.

LaTonya found a way to live out her passion for law. She began to climb the corporate ladder at State Farm, and eventually moved on to Waste Management Corporation, where she rose to a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Vice President of General Counsel. During this time, she provided complex litigation support and research for class action lawsuits, depositions, mediations, and arbitrations. In many ways, she became the lawyer she'd always dreamed of being, using her sharp analytical mind and legal acumen to make a real impact. She was recently promoted before her passing, a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. True to her belief in continuous growth, LaTonya was actively pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification at the time of her death, proof that her hunger for knowledge never dimmed.

In 1985, she married her first love, Willie " Erick" Haverly. They were a perfect match who shared the same sharp wit and infectious humor. Together, they built a family rooted in love and laughter. After her husband's passing in 1995, LaTonya carried forward with grace and determination, raising their two children, Erick "EJ". (born 1986) and Jessica (born 1992), with the same devotion she gave to everything she touched. She went above and beyond to make sure they had the opportunities and experiences she couldn't afford as a child

Tonya was a woman who knew that the world was meant to be experienced, and she could find humor in any situation. Her comedic timing was legendary. She was passionate about education and politics, never shying away from conversations that mattered or causes that needed voices. For every holiday, you could count on Tonya's famous dirty rice, a dish that became as much a part of family tradition as the celebrations themselves. She traveled with enthusiasm, collecting memories from New York to San Francisco, Chicago to Denver, Miami to San Diego, West Palm Beach to Costa Maya, Mexico.

The foundation of her faith in God began at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, which her grandfather built and pastored. She later joined Word of Restoration International Church, where her voice rang out in the choir, and her warm smile greeted everyone who walked through the doors.

LaTonya leaves behind her children, Erick and Jessica; her four beloved grandchildren, Jayden, Jordan, Mya, and McKinley Haverly; her mother, Lenora Lockett; her older brother, Kelvin Lockett; her younger sisters, Cathy Hamilton, Jessica Lockett, and Christina Jones; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves a legacy of resilience, intelligence, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in those she inspired.