Tonya Arecia Stephens was born in Albany, Georgia on October 17, 1972. She was the beloved daughter of the late Charlie B. Wade and
Rosie Mae Stephens.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Dougherty Comprehensive High School in 1992. Throughout school, she was a vibrant, outgoing young lady who garnered much from her educational experiences and co-curricula activities.

Tonya dearly loved the Lord and remained humble and prayerful in her daily walk.

Often described as a conscientious and persistent individual, Tonya's employment with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital was marked by hard work, high expectations, and unmatched integrity. In later years, she joined the ranks of employees at Teleperformance as a Customer Service Representative. She had a natural gift for assisting others; and she worked diligently, over the years, to meet the needs of clients.

Endearingly called "Sugar Mama" by family and friends, Tonya embraced life with open arms. She was an altruistic mother and grandmother who had a quiet strength, never complained, always had a smile, and often sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.

Sugar Mama had a big heart; gave of herself freely; loved unconditionally; and eagerly supported her children and grandchildren, who held the key to her heart, in all of their endeavors. Her devotion to family and friends was immeasurable.

On April 9, 2023, Tonya transitioned from this earthly life to her eternal home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents and five siblings.

Cherished memories will forever remain with her loving son, Gregory Hightower, Jr. and his father, Gregory Hightower, Sr.; three grandchildren, Da'Riyah Hightower, Gregory S. Hightower III, and Gulius Hightower; daughter-in-love, Donnisha Goodman; siblings, Carrie Tony, Susie Beach, Annie (Frederick) Holsey, Jessie (Freddie) Davis, Mary Perkins, Janice Mincey, Phyllis Stephens, Eddie W. Stephens, Gary Stephens, and Derrick (Shay) Stephens; aunts and uncles, Willie Bell Walker, Retha King, Johnnie Mae Pittman, Josie (Walter) Henry James Yancey, and Joe Lee Yancey, Jr.; mother-in-love, Willie Mae Hightower; special niece/sisters, Kimbrely Dillard and Consuela Moore; special friend/sisters, Tonya McDuffie, Pamela Pace, Shunrita Pace; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.