Tonya Lumpkin-Dees, 62, passed Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Columbus, GA.
Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Body of Christ Church International with Bishop G. Keith, pastor, officiating. Public viewing from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Tonya Annette Lumpkin-Dees was born on February 12, 1962, the eldest child to Josephine Smith in Philadelphia, PA. She and her mother moved to Bronx, New York in 1964. She was then adopted by her mother’s husband, the late Mr. James Sherman, Sr., whom she called her father. She was educated in the New York public school system, where she graduated from Grace Dodge High School in 1980. She matriculated to Westchester Community College and worked as an Executive Secretary with the American Cancer Society in Harlem, NY.
She also worked for the New York Telephone Company from 1982 – 1998, where she moved from New York to Columbus, Georgia in November 1998 where she married Mr. Johnny Lumpkin. From their union produced a son, Joshua Tyler Lumpkin who was born on February 8, 2000.
Tonya later met Mr. Darryl Stephen Dees in 2013 and they were married on May 10, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia. Tonya and Darryl shared a love for New York and food. Tonya loved to cook for her friends and family, and she loved to sing, dance, doing work in the community and her latest passion, Crafting. She had a creative mind and would spend hours learning new things and would apply her “personal” touch.
She worked at various jobs in Columbus, Georgia (AFLAC, TSYS, Best Buy, Ft. Moore and Enterprise Rental). She was best known for her work at Best Buy, where she worked for the “Geek Squad” team.
Tonya was also very active in her community. She joined Griffin Chapter No. 386 – Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated in April 2007, where she led the Chapter as Worthy Matron from 2011-2012. She was also a chartered member of Daughters of Zion Chapter No. 20 – Heroines of Jericho and transferred to W.E. Terry Court No. 6 in 2015 where she served as Most Ancient Matron from 2018-2019. Tonya was also a chartered member of Al-Karim Court No. 219 – Daughters, an Auxiliary of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdiction, Inc. Her latest organization she joined was Naomi Court No. 2 – Ladies of the Circle of Perfection (L.O.C.O.P), Prince Hall Afiliated in 2023.
As mentioned, Tonya loved to sing and when you hear her sing, you knew it was a gift from God. She sang for Loyal Baptist Church – Bronx, New York and with the Voices of the Kingdom at Body of Christ Church International - Phenix, City, AL. While in NY, she sang backup for various gospel recording artists as well.
Tonya was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Columbus, Georgia. She is survived by her loving husband, Darryl Stephen Dees; her son Joshua Tyler Lumpkin, her mother Ms. Josephine Sherman, brothers James Sherman, Jr.(Tallahassee, Fla) and James Earl Johnson (Phila, PA); sisters Shana’ McCants (Snellville, GA); Stephanie DeCosta; Heather Bright-Haywood and Bethany Bright (Phila, PA), grandson Master Kamari Rahim Lumpkin, her childhood friend Mary King (Kelly) Atlanta, GA and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Kimberly M Griffin sent Sweet Moments for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 21, 2024
In loving memory and with deepest sympathy, Kim & Charlie Griffin
Tender Tribute was sent for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 21, 2024
Traditional Floor Basket was sent for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 20, 2024
Marquis Taylor sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 18, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family love Marquis, Jill, Rick, Albert, Robert and Chad
Kevin Price sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 18, 2024
Wishing you peace, comfort, and courage in this time of sorrow
--Kevin Price & Family
Kade Hill sent Joyful Memory for Tonya Lumpkin-Dees - June 16, 2024
Tonya brought joy and warmth to us everytime we saw her. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Wishing you God's peace and comfort during this difficult time.
With love, Dominic & Kade Hill
Tonya I still can not believe this. You had just messaged me a week before. My thoughts and prayers to Darryl, Josh, her mother and all the family. You will be deeply missed.
My sincere condolences to Darryl, Josh, and the family of Tonya. We were Friends/sisters for 25 years+. I will definitely miss our group chats, but cherish all the memories. RIH peace.❤️
Tonya aka "Sniggles", you will be forever missed. To your family, I offer my heartfelt condolences. Tonya was one of a kind and I pray the cherished moments you all shared will bring some comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️🙏🏽 Love, Twyla Vega, Verizon co-worker.
We will miss you Momma Tonya. Thanks for taking care of us at TSYS.
Tiffany Shorter- Old Corporate Ridge Crew.
May the love of our sweet passionate God comfort you all!!
Cal and Dominique Daniel
May God continue to Bless and keep you and give you peace in the days ahead. Tonya may be gone, but she'll never be forgotten.
Lori P. Verizon Co-Worker
My sissy I hope you know how much I love you! Four years was not enough time. I'm so glad you found us. It was so exciting learning that I had another big sister. ❤️ My sincerest condolences to Darryl and the rest of Tonya's family. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. I am covering you in prayer. Rest well my sissy❤️❤️ -Heather
Sherm we will miss you dearly. We were just talking the Friday before you were called home. We have been friends for over 30 years. More then friends we are Sisters❤️you are now with Annie n Grace❤️🙏🏾Rest easy Sis. You were a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, grandmother ❤️watch over them Sherm❤️🙏🏾I will forever pray for Darryl n family🙏🏾❤️until we meet again🙏🏾love you n miss u🙏🏾❤️
A mighty woman in a mini package with a brave and big heart. Your tenacity, style, grace, infectious personality and bright smile is what I and many others loved most about you. Your memory and love remains forever etched in our hearts. Prayers for Darryl, Josh, Kamani, and all who were blessed to know Tonya.
I love you Fairy Godmother. *Tiffany, your RugRat❤️*
Sending prayers for you and your family may God keep his hands on you and the family.
Rest my sister just know God has got him hands full knowing you he's already rethinking bringing you home. Knowing how much we will miss you and that beautiful smile and voice when you sang your heart out to the Lord.Pleas hold a space for our next meeting in that getting up home in heaven my angel,Darryl just know he took her body but not her soul and heart its still here with us hold your head up she's never far away just look to heaven and you're see that star shining bright.
Eternal rest Tonya... Noble Darryl Dees and Family, May our condolences bring you comfort and my our prayers ease the pain of the loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you find your way through this difficult journey. HE will sustain you! The fun times of memories with Tonya will live in our hearts forever. Prayerfully, The Nobility of Hyksos Temple #123 Chattanooga, TN
Sending prayers of comfort to the family.
T, Iam am still reaching for the phone to call you on my way to work and say" Good Morning Sunshine"and hear you say " How can you be so blank cheerful in the blank Morning. We have been friends since we were thirteen years old living on Fox Street. Through this thing called life we remained the beste of friends. I am still reeling from your passing, I take comfort that you are at peace in our Father's presence in Heaven. Rest My Dearest, Bestest Friend, I Love You, Chelle
Still lost for words. Still speechless. Rest Peacefully my friend.
Our sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you all doing your time of sorrow. Conswello & Recardos McQueen
Our sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you all doing your time of sorrow. Conswello & Recardos McQueen
Sis I am truly missing you, Life is not the same without you. 😢you enjoyed my travel and pics of the places that I shared with you. I only say there are no words to express the sadness 💔 😔 and pain of the emptiness inside,
It was a pleasure to meet and know you. Your presence was always genuine and friendly. You were always a pleasure to run into. You will be missed. Rest well.
Jennifer Hailstock
The times we were in each other's presence your spirit was so welcoming no matter how many years passed since we saw each other last. Every Easter I think about the egg hunt with Shaná, the kids and you. Those were good times for sure. I will always be an extra lookout for Shaná. You rest well
Tonya Lumpkin-Dees I'm going to really miss you. You were a real one. With a heart of gold. Heaven gained another Angel. Rest in Peace. 🕊️🙏🏾
My love goes out to your enture family,Your smile and personality where truly amazing, all the times I've shared with you over our love for your sister, I will never forget. Rest now don't worry" we got Nay"
Tonya you will be extremely missed. This news breaks our hearts. We will watch over your sister Shana. Know that we will be her support system through this. Rest in Heaven
Royal Matron Tonya Dees was at our meeting on the 2nd Saturday and her demeanor was charming; she and Royal Matron Burney were the last two RMs to leave my area; we talked about things we liked and disliked. Precious Memories will always be; please find comfort knowing that we serve a lovely God and He knows what's best! Our hearts are heavy and our minds are cloudy; may God meet you at the point of your need and carry you through. Sending my deepest condolences, peace and comfort!
PRPM Catherine Taylor & Family Musella, GA
To PM Dees and family you all are in my prayers
My deepest condolences and prayers to you and the family🙏🏾🙏🏾Cherish all of the wonderful memories. God is with you every step of the way.
My heart goes out to you Darryl and your family. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy during this difficult time. In the midst of your hurt and pain God is with you. Sincerely Sherri Flanagan
Sincere condolences and Prayers to the Dees family. May GOD comfort and strengthen you. 🙏🏿❤🙏🏿 Dt. Wanda Hammonds Al-Karim Court No. 219
My condolences to your family. I pray that god offers you all comfort.
Wow, sis Rest in Heaven!!!
Sending condolences and prayers for strength to the family. Dt. Kendra Evans Al Sharif Court 232
I want to send my condolences to her husband son family and friends.Ms Tonya I don't even know where to start because I'm still in disbelief. I had the pleasure of working with you for several years at bestbuy . Very sweet loving woman who showed unconditional motherly love ... I'm soo glad I ran into you a week before your passing and although the conversation was brief your last comment was everything.. although you left us Way too soon, God definitely picked a beautiful flower .. Love you always Cort
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. - Yolanda Maloney
Will continue to keep your and your family in prayer. - Dave Gillarm Jr. & Family
To the Dees and Lumpkins families, on behalf of my mother and I, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your love. Sincere condolences and prayers! Sisters Lillie Adams-McClaud and Jacquelyn McClaud - Greenville/High Point, NC
To my OES Sister. We met in Athens Georgia during Grand Lodge and talked often....remember her telling about how she had fell in love and eventually marrying the love of her life. Although our conversation slowed through Facebook we stayed connected. Prayers Lifted PM Kenneth "Sarge" Straughter Star of Mt. Zion Lodge #370 (Athens)
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this sweet dear heart. Tonya was a kind soul and I'll truly miss her beautiful smile. Curtis and Daphanie Mitchell (Al Sharif Temple 252 and AL Sharif Court 232)
Our Sincere Condolences PM Dees, we will continue to pray for the family.
The Williams Family
Tonya was the definition of honesty. When ever I saw her I was greeted with big hung. Big Brother, I am here if you need an ear to laugh. I have many stories. Especially Big Swole's Play. Lol
My condolences and prayers Denzell Howard & family
Tonya... I'm saddened to see you go, but God had other plans. We (me, you, Burney, and Dennison) never got the chance to have that glass of wine and sit down and laugh together like we did a few years back. But, I trust God makes no mistakes and know He will take care of your husband, son, and grandson. Rest well, my friend. You will be missed. Until we meet again...
Sending prayers of comfort to the family! Rest easy cousin Tonya. Sherine
I'm still waiting to wake up, I was thinking about the first time we met. I came into Best Buy upset about my computer,and I left laughing with a new friend. I'm going to miss teasing you about you being height deficient, and that hard New York accent. REST EASY New York 🙏🏿🕊️🕊️
The Monroe Family
Condolences from Joseph and Catrina Williams
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God keep you during these difficult times. Praying for you daily! Fredrick & Elisa Richardson Turner
My condolences to the family Rest in Paradise
The Gathers Family send our sincerest condolences.
Where do I start interval Ave. Playing in the building eating at each other house losing contact and reconnecting again you have prove to be a friend , as well as a sister much love to the entire family
So sorry for your loss Darryl. I pray the Lord send you peace and comfort. Your classmate Cynthia Grant-Willingham
My sincere condolences classmate. May there be continuous prayers for comfort shower upon you and your family -Jacque Williams #REDALERT
Will continue to pray for you and your family
Rest in peace dear childhood friend. You will be misses but never forgotten. May God continue to bless and comfort your family. Cynthia from 766 Fox.
RIP🦋 Tonya!! Enjoyed the time we worked together at Synovus. Nothing but laughter. Praying for the family.
Our sincere condolences for your loss classmate. The hymn says when we all get to heaven, we will sing and rejoice happily. May continue to be our salvation and savior. The Greene Family RedAlert
I'm still waiting to wake up and this was all a bad dream, Tonya you can't be gone from us yet! You were my strength when I felt like my world was ending, you gave me so much of you despite having never met me in person. We were virtual work buddies who soon became the best of friends, for that I'll forever be grateful. My continued love & prayers for your family, this is a devastating loss for us all. I will definitely miss your beautiful words, kind spirit, and your light. Rest well beautiful, I know God needed you but I'll always question why so soon
RIH Tonya
My family has been so hurt and devastated by Tonya's death. Tonya was a part of that family. Love and continued prayers go out to Tonya's husband, her mom, her brother and to other family members, particularly to my grandson, Joshua, and great grandson, Kamari. There are some experiences that feel like it's too much to bear. This is one of those experiences. Stay focused on the Lord and remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Love you all, Minister Hazel Daniel.
I extend my most sincere condolences & prayers to the Dees family. May the memories of Tonya help you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Continue to pray & look to God for your main source of strenth & help. Praying for you Sister Jevi Darmon
To PM Dees & Family. Sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
PM Ralph Bernard Kemp & Family
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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