Tonya Sims

TONYA ANN SIMS, was born of the union of Alfred and Nora Sims on December 2, 1962 in Juneau, Alaska. She transitioned to her heavenly home suddenly but peacefully on Saturday September 19, 2020.

Tonya and her family spent her earlier years in Alaska. Her father was stationed in the military but the family eventually moved to Baltimore, Maryland where Tonya planted her roots. She received her education from the Baltimore City Public School System. She graduated from Eastern High School and when she graduated, she would later recall, "all the teachers knew who I was when I left". Anyone who knew Tonya, knew that she was very forward and did not believe in "cutting cards" when it came to her honest and quick-witted opinions. She was outspoken and wise with street and book smarts. Though she could be touch as nails, she was caring and sweet, often times placing others needs before her own.

Tonya worked as an Administrative Assistant with her friend Ira at Its Not Over LLC. Their friendship and business relationship inspired her dreams of owning her own business. She recently began researching and taking actions towards making this dream a reality but was called home to be with the Lord before it came into fruition.  

Tonya was introduced to the church at an early age by her family. She had rededicated her life to Christ and found her church home at New Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Stevens. She was an active member and on Saturday's you could catch her going to her friend Teeny's house so they could fellowship together.

Tonya endured some tough times but she always kept a warm smile, a light heart and sunny disposition. She was resilient and was often described by her children as indestructible. She attributed her proudest achievements to her children and grandchildren. She would often look upon her children with those beautiful eyes and a glowing voice and say "I know I did something right". She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. She was an active part of their lives and her love for them was apparent and boundless.

Tonya was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Sims and Nora Sims (Joyner); and her brother LaMont Sims-Bey. She is survived by her children, LaTear Richardson and son-in-law, Aaron Richardson, Tonya T. Barnes, James P Barnes Jr. and daughter-in-law Jacqueline Williams-Barnes, Twanda Barnes, Latoya Barnes, Jarrod P. Barnes and daughter-in-law Gemma Gould, Jamar P. Barnes, Angel U. Brown-Barnes, Grant A. Brown-Barnes and Ga'Briel A. Brown; 2 brothers, Rodney Sims (New Mexico), Terence Sims and a sister-in-law, Angela Sims; her grandchildren, Jaela, Samirah, Phillip, Anthony, Jalena (United Kingdom), Michael, Jasmine, Jahara, Mary and Zuri; her special friend, Robert Cheeks; her life-long friend, Dolores "Teeny" Knox; her close friends Patricia "Patty" Clayton and Ira Johnson and a host of other nieces, relatives and friends.

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