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Obituary For Auta Toney
Auta Olisha Toney - Obituary
In loving memory of Mrs. Auta Olisha Toney, 50, of Memphis, TN, who departed this life on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City, NY.
Auta was born on April 19, 1974, to Louis Boykins, Sr. and the late Geraldine Wright in Memphis, TN. She was preceded in death by her brother, Stanphany Boykins, and mother-in-law, Earnestyne Davis Toney.
Auta grew up in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, beginning her education at Oakshire Elementary before attending Havenview Junior High. She later spent time in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, with her cousin, Nikki Garrett, and her aunt, Pauline Garrett, before returning to Memphis to complete her education at Fairley High School, where she graduated in 1992. Auta was an exceptional student, graduating at the top of her class, tutoring student-athletes, and excelling as a member of a nationally recognized cheerleading team.
Her academic excellence continued at Christian Brothers University (CBU), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Information Technology. At CBU, Auta was an integral member of the cheerleading squad, ultimately becoming captain. During this time, she also joined the United States Navy Reserves, exemplifying her commitment to discipline, service, and leadership. She later pursued advanced technical certifications and graduate coursework in computer programming, software validation and data analytics.
Auta built an impressive career in data analytics and information technology, beginning at Northrop Grumman before rising to the role of Manager of Data Analytics at FedEx Corporation. She was highly respected in her field, known for her unparalleled expertise in multiple programming languages and her ability to bring data to life, often saying, "I make data sing."
Beyond her professional achievements, Auta was deeply committed to service and sisterhood. In 1996, she was initiatedinto Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Mu Epsilon Chapter), a bond she cherished throughout her life. She continued her dedication through the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter, where she held numerous leadership roles, including Graduate Advisor to Mu Epsilon, Membership Committee Chair, Fundraising Committee Chair, and Program Committee Chair. She was honored with the Reva Allman Soror of the Year Award for the Southeast Region, achieved Life Member and Silver Star status, and most recently served as 2nd Anti-Basileus (Vice President), aspiring to one day lead as Basileus (President).
Auta was also a devoted member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Memphis Chapter, where she actively contributed to the development of young leaders and the enrichment of children’s lives.
Auta’s vibrant spirit extended beyond her professional and community service endeavors. She was an avid dancer, most recently performing with the AKA dance team at the national conference. A devoted Memphis Grizzlies fan, she rarely missed a game and even aspired to join the Grizzly Grannies dance team. She also enjoyed playing pickleball and tennis and was fiercely loyal to her favorite player, Jaren Jackson Jr., daring anyone to speak otherwise.
Auta found immense joy in gardening, seeing it as both a peaceful retreat and a way to nurture life. She took great pride in her vibrant flower beds and homegrown vegetables, often sharing her harvest with loved ones. Tending to her garden gave her a sense of serenity, and she believed that patience and care bring beauty to any season.
Auta’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her devoted husband, David Michael Toney III, and her four beloved sons, Edris Sidell Conley, Victor Isaac Walker, Alan Michael Toney and Jaxon David Toney.
She is also survived by her five sisters, Celeste Wilkins, Laquita Boykins, Michelle Boykins, Felicia (David) Tunstall, and Corliss Brown, and four brothers, Louis Boykins Jr., Ivory Boykins, Anthony Boykins, and Reginald Boykins.
She leaves behind a special bond with her first cousin, Nikki Garrett and special nieces, Arlisha Milam, Brianna Wilkins, and Courtney Owens, as well as cousin, Lillian Wright and cousin, Tevin Wright.
Auta’s loving and caring in-laws include Ralph Walker, Jr. and Alice Walker and their son Ralph Walker III (Gladys), Aarin Walker Chilton (Deondre), and Kimbra Toney Bernard (Marsean).
She also leaves behind a host of cherished relatives, friends, and sorority sisters who will forever treasure her warmth, brilliance, and unwavering support.
Auta’s life was one of passion, dedication, and profound impact. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
May her light continue to shine in the lives of those she touched.
The family has scheduled a Memorial Service of Celebration at Centenary United Methodist Church, 584 East McLemore, Memphis, TN 38016 on Friday, March 7th at 11am. A private interment will be held at Serenity Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Auta’s honor to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter’s Scholarship Fund or the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Memphis Chapter.
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Justin Pecka sent Traditional Floor Basket for Auta Toney - March 05, 2025
Ethel Muhammad sent Serene Lily Basket for Auta Toney - March 05, 2025
Rico Parker sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Auta Toney - March 03, 2025
My Aunt Auta was a radiant, beautiful, intelligent, loving, creative, nurturing, caring, very silly and helpful woman. After her beautiful mother, Geraldine Wright passed away as her youngest daughter and she took on the role and responsibility to carry on her mother's legacy while building up her own and continuously helping others. I am honored to have memories and moments with my Aunt Auta. May God give those close to her joy, peace, and strength.
Condolences to the family of Mrs. Auta Toney. My prayer is that you will find peace, strength, and everything that you need in His Love. I became acquainted with Auta as a sister within the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For our last assignment together, she reached out to me because she said that we worked well together. I admired her energy, commitment, and confidence. She will certainly be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Soror Auta. Praying for the peace and comfort of Michael and the family.
Soror Auta, I will miss your kind words and friendship that you have shown me throughout the years. Words cannot express the loss of such a truly spirit filled person.
May God give you all strength to heal from the loss of your beloved Auta! I will continue praying for you all!
Auta, you were my very first initiate and I'll never forget the memories. Your laughter was contagious. From the time you became a Sister to us, you served with your whole heart! You had such a sweet spirit and beautiful smile!
To the family, please know that you all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort you and give you peace!
~Tanquer
Auta, you were such a special sister. When we served together as Graduate Advisors for our respective chapters, you were always my sounding board and helping hand. You always had the same smile and sweet spirit no matter what was going on. I will miss that...and you. Blessings to your family and all who loved you.
To the family of Auta Boykins Toney. You have my sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one. Auta had a gentle spirit, beautiful smile and always had a kind word. It was an honor knowing you my Soror. Rest in Heavenly Peace until we meet again.
DeJuanica Hampton
Rest in love and peace my dear sister. 🌺
To my cousin Michael, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. You have been in my thoughts, and you and your boys are in my prayers.
Soror Auta I will miss your beautiful smile & big hug every time we saw each other. Get your rest! Well done good and faithful servant! My deepest condolences to the family & prayers for strength during this difficult time.
Auta, it just doesn't seem real that you are no longer here physically. Just know that you will always be with me and all who love you forever and always. May you rest eternally, and may God grant your family comfort during this time. Until we meet again my sister. . . Joy
LS, you will be sorely missed. I will miss the times we shared and worked together in our sorority. May you rest in the arms of the Lord. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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