Tonya Ann Wilkins

She was born on September 4, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tonya later moved to Bakersfield, California, before eventually settling in Mesa, Arizona, alongside her parents, Theodore Russell Wilkins and Nancy Louise Wilkins.

Tonya was a vibrant spirit with a deep love for cooking and sharing meals with those she loved. She cherished getting dressed up and going out dancing at her favorite clubs with her siblings and friends. She also enjoyed bowling and playing games with her family, creating joyful memories that will be treasured forever.

Known for her infectious laugh and quick wit. Her smile was unforgettable — warm, genuine, and radiant — and it will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Tonya was preceded in death by her beloved father, Theodore Russell Wilkins (October 15, 1942 – March 16, 2023).

She is survived by her mother, Nancy Louise Wilkins; her children, Vanessa Nery Vivian (Joey) and Braxton Lee Coker; and her lifetime friend and Braxton’s father, Bradrick Tyrone Coker. She was a proud grandmother to Baylee, Zoee, Callie, and Hunter.

Tonya is also survived by her siblings: Joyce (Scott), Kerry (Kateryna), Tina (Ray), Terry, Bob (Susan), and Ted Jr. (Karyn); and many other relatives, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Tonya’s memory will live on through the many lives she touched.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss