Tonya Wills-Mullins, 22, of Texas, passed from this life August 29, 1978. Her young life was tragically ended as a result of a violent act. Her earthly remains were discovered in Rankin County on September 3, 1978. She was laid to rest in the name of “Jane Doe” at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, her service attended by staff members of the cemetery and Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home, and Rev. Jack Bryant who officiated.
In February 2023, through DNA testing, this beautiful young soul, taken too early, was identified as Tonya Wills-Mullins. Graveside services to honor her life will be held at 10:00am, Friday, April 14, 2023, at Floral Hills. Just as our Rankin County community cared for her in 1978, we ask that our community join together once again to support her family by attending her service.
Tonya was born May 12, 1956. A sweet spirited child Tonya learned at an early age the importance of kindness and caring for others, merits she personified as an adult. Tonya often sang to pass the time, her lilting voice comfort to those around her.
From an early age Tonya knew in her heart that her life’s purpose was to be a mother. Her daughters were the center of her world and her greatest joy. The times she shared with them will forever be cherished in the memories of “her girls”.
Her husband, James Mullins, and mother, Carrie Coffee, joined her in Heaven many years after she passed away. Although they lived with the uncertainty of her whereabouts for many years, they were also blessed to never learn the sad news of her passing.
She is survived by her daughters, Tammie Mullins, and Crystal Mullins; grandchildren, Cory Broadnax (Orlene), Brandon Johnson (Kelly), Colten Tedder, Caleb Awwad, and Cason Awwad; great-grandchildren, Lailie and Adelyn Johnson, and Ayla and Ava Broadnax; and mother-in-law, Dolly Mullins.
