Miss Tonya Ree Thrift, lovingly known as Tonya, graced the world with her gentle spirit on March 19, 1988, in Birmingham, Alabama. She brought joy and warmth to those around her until her peaceful passing on June 25, 2024, at her residence in Five Points, Alabama. She lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family and the Lord.
From a young age, Tonya exhibited a profound love for people, particularly children, and always approached life with a happy demeanor. Her infectious smile and kind-hearted nature made her a cherished figure in her community. Born into a family that valued closeness and mutual support, Tonya shared an unbreakable bond with her siblings Crystal Dangerfield, Kathy Siggers, Tanya Thrift, and Sherry Thrift. She was a beloved granddaughter to Judy Brand and adored niece to Lisa Foster (Jamie). Her loving presence will also be profoundly missed by her treasured cousins Bo Hester, Tracy Creed, Elizabeth Tackett, and Christian Smith. Tonya’s role as an aunt was one she cherished deeply, leaving lasting memories with Brian Bailey, Tiffany Rollins, James Rollins, and Mindy Hester, who will continue to feel her love in every gentle breeze.
As an active and devoted member of the Revenant Worship Center in Valley, Alabama, Tonya’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Her involvement in the church community was a testament to her deep-rooted beliefs and her desire to lead a life guided by her spiritual convictions. Tonya’s love for her family extended into every aspect of her life, and she found joy in the simplest pleasures – be it a laughter-filled fishing trip or an adventurous road trip. Always ready to tell a story or share a kind word, Tonya saw beauty in the everyday and embraced every opportunity to create cherished memories.
Throughout her lifetime, Tonya’s approach to life could best be described by three words: loving, kind, and gentle. She moved through the world with an ease and grace that put those around her at peace. Her favorite dish, chicken, was often at the heart of family gatherings where conversations flowed, and laughter was abundant. Tonya entrusted her love not only to her family and friends but extended it to every individual she encountered, leaving an indelible mark of compassion and caring on her community.
Tonya’s departure has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew her. However, the beauty of her spirit and the memories she created will continue to live on, as luminous and profound as her faith. As she leaves us to join our Heavenly Father, we take comfort in envisioning her radiant smile warming the hearts of angels, just as it did for each of us here on Earth.
Funeral services for Tonya will be held on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at 2:30 PM (EDT) at the Revenant Worship Center in Valley. Interment will follow in Hopewell Cemetery. The Reverends Tommy and Amy Messer will officiate. Tonya’s family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM (EDT) at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.