Ms. Tonya Yvette Graham Monteiro was born to the late Burnest Edgar Graham and LaVerne Briley Graham on June 15, 1969. She fell asleep on March 28, 2026.

Tonya truly loved life. She was always full of fun, love and positivity even while dealing with her mounting health concerns. From a very young age, she learned about the one true God Jehovah. As her love for the Truth grew, she dedicated her life to Jehovah and got baptized in June of 1984.

She truly valued her personal relationship with Jehovah. And she strived to imitate Jesus in her daily living. Her encouraging comments during our worship meetings revealed her deep love for God and His word the Bible. She was also known for her zeal in the ministry. She found great joy in sharing with others what she learned from the Bible whether it be in person or by letter writing.

Tonya received her education from Sandhills Community College in Hamlet, NC. During her working career, Tonya enjoyed working in many roles but she especially loved her role as an Office Manager for Keller Williams Realty. This was the last position she held before coming out of secular work due to her health.

She was a very creative person that appreciated the beauty of the Arts including poetry and music. One of Tonya’s greatest accomplishments was the publishing of her book “Inside a Butterfly.” A beautiful compilation of personal poetry writings she created. She loved to drive and take enjoyable road trips on beautiful sunny days. She loved going to the Coast. She loved the beach.

Tonya enjoyed spending every minute with family and friends that sincerely loved her back. She especially valued her close friendship with the Callahan family (Lauren, Kevin, Aiden and Madison). She also viewed Brother Preston Graham and Alvin Spivey as a “poppa”. She always exuded a real zest for life and uplifted anyone in her company. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her dear mother, LaVerne Briley Graham (Burnest Edgar Graham) of High Point, NC; six siblings, Carlos Ramon Graham of Laurinburg, NC, Bobby Nashon Graham (Tanoy Sisavoth) of Florida, LaSherrie Dawn Graham Bates (Steven Bates) of High Point, NC, Toshiko Renee Graham of High Point, NC, Jennifer Lynn Graham of Winston Salem, NC and Bradford Eli Graham of Laurinburg, NC; a host of loving and supportive aunts, uncles, and cousins that show loving support and engagement in Tonya’s life until the very end. Tonya was also a proud auntie of numerous nieces and nephews; a great aunt to two great nieces.

A celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, 1600 N. Centennial Street.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.