Tonia Marie Snelling

Tonia Marie Snelling, 61, Pooler, Ga, passed away from natural causes on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Tonia was born in Marquette, Michigan to the late Todd Cranmer and Donna Davey in the summer of 1964. She leaves behind a legacy built by a lifetime of service to her community, church, and family. Tonia lived exceptionally. She loved all and received love in return.

Tonia explored all aspects of life. Whether playing half a dozen instruments and painting flowers in watercolor or travelling the world to see whatever there was to see. There was no ulterior motive in her planning, she eternally lived in the moment. Quick with a smile and a mother's knack for helping others solve their problems without giving direct advice. She embraced grandchildren with laughs and would sing in front of the church whenever asked. She competed. She competed in triathlons, bicycle races across Georgia, softball, half marathons, and karate tournaments. She loved to cook. Often in experimental fashion, but always with love and a smile.

Tonia was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to ever achieve the rank of Captain in the Savannah Fire Department. Where she served her community until her retirement in 2019 after 23 years of service.

Tonia shared her love in all aspects of life. She loved her church. She lived within the glowing embrace of God's light. Tonia loved animals and cared for horses as a child and had multiple dogs as companions to share her home with.

Tonia was quick to chase adventure and able to deal with adversity in return. She managed to make it to New Zealand with just days to plan and again a trip to Iceland with only moments notice. She visited over a dozen countries and when asked she would often tell you the best part of each location was meeting new friends and experiencing their culture.

Tonia will be missed by her sons Joshua H. Snellling and his wife Artiben Patel, and Brent A. Snelling. She will be missed by her grandchildren Logan, Brodie, Kavi, and Kian. She will be missed by her family and hundreds of friends she loved.

Tonia will be missed.


The Celebration of Life to honor Tonia's life will be on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 5:30 pm in the chapel of the Thomas C. Strickland and Son's Funeral Home in Pooler, GA located at: 901 West Highway 80.