Tonya Tipton Memorial Fund

What began as a glorious Sunday, with Tonya Tipton performing a riveting solo of “Be Grateful” at church, suddenly became the most devastating nightmare for her kids and those who love her.

On Sunday, November 13th, Tonya fell into a deep coma after suffering a brain aneurysm. As news spread of these tragic events, more than 70 people came to spend time with Tonya in the hospital, hoping to send prayers up to the Lord that would revive her vivacious spirit.

Despite a groundswell of loving prayer and support, Tonya's soul departed from her body on Tuesday, November 15th, after battling to stay here with us for two brutal days.

The emotional toll caused by our Mother's unexpected passing cannot be expressed in words. We are devastated. And so are many of you, who were her closest confidants, family, church family, co-workers, and friends. While we all have no choice but to accept and grieve Tonya’s passing, the shock it has caused will take much space and time to truly process.

As we look to navigate a world without our Mother, Tonya, we humbly ask for your support. In her honor, we have created the Tonya Tipton Memorial Fund, which will directly support the costs of our Mother’s memorial services and burial, as well as start a foundation in her name that helps people in need who share her values.

Please feel free to contribute to Tonya’s memorial fund. Whatever you can do to help is greatly appreciated. Additionally, please help us spread the news of Tonya's memorial service and Celebration, which are included below.

If you would like to honor our Mother's life and legacy, please consider doing one or more of the following ASAP:

1. Contribute to the Tonya Tipton Memorial Fund (any amount helps; click on the "Donate now" button to the right).

2. Help us spread the news of our Mother’s unfortunate passing, her memorial services, and Celebration (all info is detailed below, and here is the link to share: https://gofund.me/27f6a77d).

3. Please share any stories, memories, photos, and/or videos you have with our Mother: Tonya Tipton Service RSVP & Memory Share.

Thank you for all your love and support. We definitely could not get through this unimaginably sad time without you.

Many thanks and much love,

Antuan, René and Tenisha

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EVENT DETAILS

VISITATION

Saturday, December 3, 2022

10:00 AM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

26 W. North Bend Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45216

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, December 3, 2022

11:00 AM

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

26 W. North Bend Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45216

BURIAL

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Immediately following Memorial Service

Crown Hill Memorial Park

11825 Pippin Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45231

CELEBRATION

Sunday, December 4, 2022

3:00 PM

The Enclave

8263 Colerain Ave

Cincinnati, OH 45239

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CLICK HERE TO RSVP AND SHARE MEMORIES

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OBITUARY

Tonya Annette Tipton was born to Perry Johnson and Elizabeth Scales in Cleveland, Ohio on October 2nd, 1964. She was unexpectedly called home to be with God on November 15th, 2022.

While Tonya walked this earth, she radiated life, light, and laughter. Her love of family, friends, and the Lord was infinite and could be felt from a mile away.

To Tonya, the greatest gift you could extend was that of real human connection. She built bonds that stood the test of time–strong relationships overflowing with care, compassion, and fun. Whether exploring new places, enjoying spontaneous adventures at the casino, or simply watching the latest Hallmark movies on her best friend's couch, Tonya’s deep relationships with friends and family were the center of her entire universe and gave her life.

Tonya loved the Lord so much and knew Him very well. She also loved her church, New Jerusalem Baptist (New J), and her church family, who became an extended version of her actual family. Of course, Tonya absolutely adored her “babies”–those who attended the daycare she owned for a number of years.

Additionally, Tonya loved to travel and really enjoyed her after-church lunch outings with her New J family. As Tonya was a people magnet, she had a lot of friends whom she cared for deeply and would call to simply check in, often ending her conversations by affectionately saying, “Smooches, Love you!” (what everyone would give to hear her say that one additional time!).

Beyond her quick wit, infectious laughter, and inspiring energy, Tonya will be missed most for what she offered the world: A reminder that life is about truly embracing both the here and now and creating your own future.

Indeed, Tonya’s influence was felt every time she entered a room–her presence was both impactful and cherished. She was a brilliant, humble, phenomenal woman. Given that, her absence has certainly left a tremendous void, particularly for those who were lucky enough to call her Mom, grandma, sister, aunt, family, friend, or co-worker.

Tonya Tipton is survived by her children, Antuan Shields, René Cheatham III, and Tenisha Tipton; her siblings, Alvin Scales, Karyn Scales, Melissa Sayers, Perry Johnson Jr., Gerri (Johnson) Hobdy, and Terry Farmer; her uncles, Jim Tipton and Mike Tipton, and aunt, Mary Green; her grandchildren, Antuan Shields Jr., Jewel’Uan Shields, Ny’Onna Shields, Mari’Onna Shields, Da’Mari Shields, Skye Shields, and Serenity Cheatham along with Tahj, Tahiry and Jream; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tonya’s homegoing ceremony will take place at New Jerusalem Baptist Church on December 3, 2022. Our family would love to see you then and there, as we celebrate and honor Tonya’s impact, love, and legacy.