Toya Mae Hassell

Toya was born to parents Beryl and Carlton Watkins on May 1, 1934. She was educated in Harlem New York. Later she moved to Brooklyn New York where she raised her family. Toya retired to Atlanta Georgia with her late husband Elmer Hassell. After the death of her husband Toya moved closer to her daughters (Tinie and Niece) in North Carolina.

Toya had (4) children who preceded her in death Teresa Watkins, Gary Watkins, Lashuanda Green and her adoptive daughter Betty Brockington.

Toya is survived by her children. She has (3) sons, the eldest son Djuan Watkins and Venessa Watkins of Delaware. Anthony and Karen Strickland of New York and Edward Strickland of New York. Toya has (4) daughters, eldest daughter Florette Watkins of New York, Arlecia and Kevin Heath of North Carolina, Beryl Watkins of North Carolina, and Monique Jones of Florida. Toya has (4) stepchildren Robert Hassell, Karyn Hassell, Lisa Hassell and Jennifer Hassell. Toya also has an adopted son Wesley Ruiz and wife Jennifer Jordan of Virginia. Toya also leaves behind to cherish her memory (28) grandchildren (56) great grandchildren and (2) great great grand children. She leaves behind (2) brothers Archie Watkins of New York and Evans Shervington of Delaware. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Toya was a beloved mother figure for all of the children in our neighborhood. Toya was called mommy to so many. Toya loved to cook. She was a chef in her own right. She could out cook anyone. Toya was a cook among cooks, cooking truly made her happy. She greatly enjoyed cooking for the people she loved. Toya, along with Anthony and Dj, worked at Saint Christopher group home for children, where we saw her loving work with teenagers.

A message from her children-

Mommy always was a loving person to strangers and accepted them as members of her family. We loved our mother and we are going to miss her for now. Toya was one of the most amazing grandmothers ever, if you don’t believe just ask any of her grandchildren. They simply adore her and she could do no wrong, she was their angel. We know that we will see her again. We love you mom.