Tonya Lanette (Garrett) Grayer

Tonya Lanette Grayer, age 51 of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023.  Tonya was born May 27, 1972, in Battle Creek, Michigan.  She was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and later studied in the nursing program at Western Michigan University.

She leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Albert and Darlene Garrett and her children Michael, Jeriah and Alatia Grayer, all of Battle Creek. Surviving as well is her sister Talena White, her niece and nephew BraeLynn and Brendan White, and a sister she was close to Jenny Gueye and a host of other family members in Providence Rhode Island as well as Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins in Battle Creek and other states.

A memorial service for Tonya will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 5561 Morgan Road Battle Creek Michigan, as well as on zoom October 7, 2023, at 4:00 pm.

During her long career in healthcare, Tonya worked as a CNA for many years, caring for and building relationships with those she was called to serve.  In her spare time, Tonya enjoyed listening to “old school” music and could always be heard singing along to her favorite songs.

Tonya was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, in Battle Creek Michigan. Her unwavering faith provided her with strength during challenging times, and her resilience was a shining testimony to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Even during severe times she still attended meetings sometimes in a wheelchair and on oxygen. Later when confined to a nursing facility in South Bend Indiana she still viewed meetings on zoom these meetings gave her the strength to not only keep enduring but also to keep her hope alive of living in a time where there will be no sickness or death. (Revelation 21 :3,4)

One of her most favorite activities was getting together with all her aunts, uncles, and cousins to share a delicious meal with laughs and jokes till late in the evening.

Her kindness, considerate nature, and calm demeanor were the cornerstones of her character. She never complained about her circumstances, choosing instead to focus on the positive and to uplift those around her. Though Tonya's physical presence is no longer with us, her loving smile, and the countless lives she touched will continue to live on in our hearts, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will forever serve as a beacon of light in our lives.

To share a story of Tonya’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.