Tonya Edmonds

Tonya departed from this life suddenly on May 21, 2025. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Tonya is preceded in death by her father, Michael Smith Sr., grandmother, Lorraine Smith, and her grandfather, Robert Edmonds. Tonya was born on September 7, 1974, in Richmond, VA to Jacqueline Stith-Chalkley and the late Michael Smith Sr. Tonya was the oldest of 8 children, Leroy, Michael Jr., Tasha, Kinesha, RJ, Jamie & Kushana. Tonya accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member and continued her spiritual journey throughout her life. She grew up in Crewe, VA, attending Nottoway County Public Schools, where she excelled in academics and graduated in the Class of 1992. Tonya took online classes and graduated from Bryan & Stratton College with her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and continued her education and graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Master's Degree in Family Counseling. Tonya was a devoted and loving mother. In August 1995, she welcomed her first son, Kentrell, and in August 2000, she gave birth to her youngest son, Jarrell. Her children were the center of her world, and she poured her heart into raising them with love, strength, and guidance. Being their mother was one of her greatest joys, and the bond they shared was unbreakable. Tonya's love extended far beyond her immediate family. Over the years, she opened her home and heart to many of Kentrell and Jarrell's friends, treating them as her own children, becoming a second mother to them, specifically, Cedric Price, Darion Long, and Malik Downs. Whether offering guidance, a warm meal, or simply a safe place to lay their heads. Her nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she welcomed into her life. Tonya began working at the young age of 14 and spent her life committed to helping others. Over the years, she held various positions across different fields, but a common thread throughout her career was her gift for counseling and supporting those in need. Whether formally or informally, Tonya brought compassion, wisdom, and guidance to every role she held, leaving a lasting impact on the lives she touched. She leaves to cherish her memories, her two sons Kentrell Fowlkes and Jarrell Swann, her mother Jacqueline Chalkley, adopted father, Ralph Edmonds Sr., stepfather, Alvin Chalkley, her grandmother Lillie Edmonds, her sisters, Kinesha Edmonds-McLaughlin (Divontea), Tasha Booker (Troy) and Kushana Edmonds, her brothers, RJ Edmonds (Ronda), Leroy Parrish (Tasha), Michael Jr. (Latoya), and Jamie Lee, and, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Though her life ended far too soon, the love she gave and the memories she created will never be forgotten.