Tonya L. Parham

Miss Tonya L. Parham, 33, of 233 Peachtree Hill Ave., Atlanta (formerly of Lorton, Va.) entered rest on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, in Atlanta as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Tonya was born Nov. 26, 1973, in Fort Bragg, N.C. to Larry Parham Sr. and the late Connie L. Briggs Parham. Tonya was the great-granddaughter of the late Jessie and Virginia "Ace" Myrick of Stony Creek, Va., and the granddaughter of the late James E. Briggs and Marion M. Briggs of Petersburg, Va.

Tonya joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Quantico, Va., at an early age. Tonya, attended schools in California, Germany and Virginia, where she graduated from Hayfield High School in Lorton, Va. After high school she furthered her education at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va., graduating with a degree in criminal justice. She later decided to join the United States Army. While serving in the Army she became a sergeant, where she served in Korea, Fort McPherson, Ga., then onto Kuwait, Camp DoHo 3rd Army. Tonya's military service was distinguished by her receipt of many awards and decorations. "Not only was she a good Soldier; she was a good person loved by all that knew her."

Upon coming home from the military Tonya worked in the information technology field. She was a member of the Chrome Plated Hearts Motorcycle Club of Atlanta because of her love of riding.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her father, Larry Parham Sr. (Deborah) of Springfield, Va.; one brother, Larry D. Parham Jr. of New York; like-a-little-sister, Jelisa Robinson of Stony Creek, Va.; her pet dog, Margo; grandmother, Ruby Parham of Richmond, Calif.; aunts, Doris M. Jones and Ethel Poarch (Alfield) both of Stony Creek, Va., and Ruth B. Wilks of Petersburg, Va., Carrol Geegan and Debra McClellan of Richmond, Calif.; uncles, Elvin W. Briggs (Marie), Larry Q. Briggs and William Myrick, all of Petersburg, Va., Bruce Parham Sr. (Tangunlar) of Dale City, Va., and Marion Parham (Joanne) of Seattle; a host of other relatives, friends and some very special friends, Delores Harrison, Jennifer Bell, Jennifer Michie, Adam Simmons, Eugene Joseph, Osbourne "BB" Bailey and Heather.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Va. The Rev. Jeffery Reaves Sr. officiating and the Rev. John Brewer, pastor of Faith Alive Ministries, Washington, D.C., eulogist.

The family will receive friends at 9130 Sussex Drive, Sussex, Va., and may be contacted by calling (434) 246-4719.

Online condolences are welcomed at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Miss Parham and view a memorial video at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.