Obituary for Tonia Renita Davis (Edwards)
Tonia Renita Davis, the fourth daughter of Helen and the late Warner Lee Edwards, was born on November 22, 1966 in Parksley, Virginia. She gained her wings on November 26, 2020 at Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
Tonia was educated in the Accomack County Public School system and was a 1985 graduate of Arcadia High School. She was employed by Allrisks Insurance Company until her passing.
Tonia accepted Christ at an early age and was a member Adams United Methodist Church. She later joined Greater New Psalmist Church under the leadership of Bishop Brehon Hall.
Tonia married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Andre Derryck Davis on October 17, 1992, a courtship that lasted for over 38 years. To their union two sons were born, Derryck and Daryn. Tonia loved her family and was willing to help them in any way she could. She had an infectious smile, uplifting spirit and made a positive impact on everyone around her. She had a special bond with her childhood friends, Conekia, Shenay, Camesha, Felicia, Gwendolyn, Aretha, and Tia, “The Great Eight.” This bond was 40 plus years of friendship and sisterhood. Tonia loved life. If not enjoying the company of family and friends, she could be found engaging in her favorite pastime, shopping.
Tonia was an advocate for the Janet Hall Foundation, an organization that provides support for those affected by breast cancer. She gave her last lecture on October of this year. She was an inspiration and mentor to many.
Tonia is preceded in death by her father, Warner Lee Edwards; a sister, Tabie Edwards; niece and nephew, Rasheda and Roshawn Edwards; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Davis; father-in-law, Richard Davis; grandfather, Preston Edward, Sr.; three uncles, Robert Edwards, Sr., Preston Edwards, Jr., and Isaiah Ridley; and two aunts, Betty Lou Ridley and Gladys Northan.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Andre Derryck Davis, Baltimore, MD; two sons, Derryck Davis (Allie), San Diego, CA and Daryn Davis, Baltimore, MD; special niece who was like a daughter, Tyneika Walker; two grandchildren, Camila and Joaquin Davis; mother, Helen Edwards, Parksley, VA; grandmother, Emma Edwards, Parksley, VA; two sisters, Victoria (Steve) Horner, Wattsville, VA and Karen (Willie) White, Parksley, VA; three aunts, Ethel Dickerson, Grace Ridley, and Catherine Davis; three uncles, William (Minnie) Ridley, Darrell Davis, and Spencer Burnette; the Great 8 Sisterhood; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Tonia was educated in the Accomack County Public School system and was a 1985 graduate of Arcadia High School. She was employed by Allrisks Insurance Company until her passing.
Tonia accepted Christ at an early age and was a member Adams United Methodist Church. She later joined Greater New Psalmist Church under the leadership of Bishop Brehon Hall.
Tonia married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Andre Derryck Davis on October 17, 1992, a courtship that lasted for over 38 years. To their union two sons were born, Derryck and Daryn. Tonia loved her family and was willing to help them in any way she could. She had an infectious smile, uplifting spirit and made a positive impact on everyone around her. She had a special bond with her childhood friends, Conekia, Shenay, Camesha, Felicia, Gwendolyn, Aretha, and Tia, “The Great Eight.” This bond was 40 plus years of friendship and sisterhood. Tonia loved life. If not enjoying the company of family and friends, she could be found engaging in her favorite pastime, shopping.
Tonia was an advocate for the Janet Hall Foundation, an organization that provides support for those affected by breast cancer. She gave her last lecture on October of this year. She was an inspiration and mentor to many.
Tonia is preceded in death by her father, Warner Lee Edwards; a sister, Tabie Edwards; niece and nephew, Rasheda and Roshawn Edwards; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Davis; father-in-law, Richard Davis; grandfather, Preston Edward, Sr.; three uncles, Robert Edwards, Sr., Preston Edwards, Jr., and Isaiah Ridley; and two aunts, Betty Lou Ridley and Gladys Northan.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Andre Derryck Davis, Baltimore, MD; two sons, Derryck Davis (Allie), San Diego, CA and Daryn Davis, Baltimore, MD; special niece who was like a daughter, Tyneika Walker; two grandchildren, Camila and Joaquin Davis; mother, Helen Edwards, Parksley, VA; grandmother, Emma Edwards, Parksley, VA; two sisters, Victoria (Steve) Horner, Wattsville, VA and Karen (Willie) White, Parksley, VA; three aunts, Ethel Dickerson, Grace Ridley, and Catherine Davis; three uncles, William (Minnie) Ridley, Darrell Davis, and Spencer Burnette; the Great 8 Sisterhood; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.