Tonya Waters

Tonya was born on October 4, 1963 to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy D. Stringfield and raised with love and care by Joe Frank Palmer & Virginia Joyce Palmer. She graduated from Northwood High School in 1981 and went on to further her education at Bossier Parish Community College. Tonya received her Lord and Savior followed by her public profession of faith through baptism on September 26,1993.

She is preceded in death by her father, Murphy Stringfield; mother, Virginia Joyce Palmer; and her Dad, Joe Frank Palmer.

Left to cherish Tonya's memory is her husband of 37+ years, Ernest Marlin Carl Waters; daughter, Carly Michelle Mathews; son-in-love, Joshua Adam Mathews; and beloved grandson, Gage Paxton Mathews; son, Casey Lane Waters; sisters, Dietra “Dee” McWhiney and Kelly Palmer; brother, Donald Stringfield; and other family.

Tonya took comfort in the simple things in life. She never asked for much because to her she already had it all; a relationship with Jesus Christ, a devoted husband who loves her deeply, a daughter who loves her boldly, a son who loves her immensely, and first grandson who simply loves “Grammie” unconditionally.

The word that comes to mind as we remember Tonya is fierce. When it came to loving her children she was a dedicated mother to the end. “Grammie” loves her grandson, and they had a strong bond. Anyone who knew Tonya knew she loves Dr. Pepper; she never went anywhere without a full cup of Dr. Pepper. Tonya loved arts and crafts and more recently took an interest in making wreaths and she was good at it.

The family would like to thank those for respecting and honoring their wishes for privacy as they mourn the heartbreaking loss of Tonya; wife, mother, sister, and friend.