Livia was born January 9, 1964 to Norman and Laurice Pyle in Union Springs, Alabama. She was the middle child with two sisters, Beverley and Karen. Her family moved to Griffin, GA when Livia was four years old. Growing up, she enjoyed playing outside, riding her bike and loving her many dogs. She was always her mama’s helper in the kitchen and her daddy’s helper in the yard. Livia was baptized and received salvation the summer before 7th grade at 2nd Baptist Church of Griffin’s Vacation Bible School.
Livia, graduated from Griffin High School in 1982. Livia attended Gordon Junior College, graduating with an AA in Psychology. She then attended Mercer University in Macon GA, earning a BA in Human Services. She worked for the State of Georgia in Child and Adult Protective Services, a Special Education Teacher in North Carolina, and worked in group homes for the disabled. At the time of her passing, Livia, “Liv” to her friends, was a Teacher’s Assistant at Akins High School in Austin, TX.
Livia was married to Thomas Tonan in 1994. Their happiest day was May 15, 1995 when their only daughter Sarah was born. She enjoyed keeping Sarah busy taking her to church, parks, pools, Girl Scouts and even band practice. Liv especially treasured spiritual talks with Sarah.
Livia had a passion for special needs children and adults, the needy and homeless with the desire to start a special needs ministry at church and a ministry to serve the needy and homeless of the community. She loved all her dogs and enjoyed taking them on weekend outings.
Livia was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Morgan Tonan, her two sisters, Beverly Kay Pyle and Karen Ann Pyle Love, and a crazy Border Collie named Molly.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 13, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Christian Life Church, 4700 West Gate Blvd., Austin, TX with Pastor Rex D. Johnson officiating. Private Family Interment will follow the Services at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christian Life Church in Livia’s honor to benefit the Special Needs Ministry.
Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
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