Tonya Watts Hamrick

Tonya Watts Hamrick, age 59, of Hermitage, TN, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025 after a courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her parents Linda and Glenn Watts, of Greenbrier, sister Lana (Lacy) Privette and her devoted husband of 30 years, Billy “Bill” Hamrick, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and adventures. They were avid Alabama football fans. Tonya was blessed with her son, Christopher Clinard (Lindsay), and her two cherished grandchildren, Maverick and Rachel, who lovingly knew her as “Nana Tonya.” She was such a good Nana and nobody could color better than Nana. She also was blessed to be mom to Bill’s two children, Amy (Tim) Bish and Joshua Hamrick. Her love extended beyond her immediate family to her cherished nieces, Ava and Channing Privette, who knew her lovingly as “Aunt Sissy.” Aunt Sissy loved to spoil her girls, sharing with them her passion for the beach and collecting seashells. Every Christmas, she gifted them special ornaments for their future trees—so that each year, as they decorate, Aunt Sissy’s spirit will be there with them.

Tonya graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1984. A proud and dedicated public servant, Tonya devoted 16 years to the Internal Revenue Service, where she served as a supervisor in the collections department. Her integrity, leadership, and compassion made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the many individuals she mentored throughout her career.

Tonya shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Lana, whom she lovingly called her “first baby.” From the time they were young, Tonya was always “Sister” to Lana—never Tonya—a rule Tonya playfully enforced, and one that even Lana’s friends followed. In return, Tonya affectionately called her “Poco.” As a registered nurse, Lana played a crucial role during Tonya’s illness—advocating tirelessly, ensuring no detail was overlooked, and made sure she received the best possible care and comfort.

Her best friend of over three decades, Gloria McBroom, was a constant source of love, laughter, and strength—proof that chosen family can be just as enduring as blood. Together, they shared countless adventures and an unbreakable bond. Their shared love of jewelry was so well-known that they were recognized by name the moment they walked into “their” Kay Jewelers. Tonya loved her jewelry and wore a ring on every finger. Oh, the stories they could tell and the laughter they shared—memories that will live on forever.

Tonya’s cat, Bleu, was completely devoted to Tonya—and made it clear he preferred her over everyone else. Most people never even caught a glimpse of him, as he would disappear the moment anyone walked through the door. Still, he was her loyal companion.

She is survived by her mother-in-law, Charlotte Hamrick, and was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Bill Hamrick, Sr. She also shared special bonds with her husband’s siblings: John Hamrick (deceased) and his wife Edna, Lea Anne Woodard, Patti (Bill) Yon, and Kelly (Mike) Williamson.

Tonya was so loved and will be remembered for her quick wit, fierce loyalty, and unwavering strength. She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will live on in all who knew her. We hope every time you hear a Pink song or drink a Diet Dr. Pepper you will think of her.

Visitation will be held at Sunday, August 3, 2025, 2:00 until 3:30 pm at Hillcrest Church of Christ, 3726 Old Greenbrier Pike, Springfield, TN 37172 with a celebration of life at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Alive Hospice (alivehospice.org).