Tonia Dill Memorial

Tonia Michelle Dill
September 30, 1968 - June 20, 2010

The second of three children, Tonia Michelle Dill was born on September 30, 1968 to the proud parents, Carla Ann Davis Dill and Donald Michael Dill. She was called home to Glory after a life-long struggle with illnesses related to Sickle Cell Disease on June 20, 2010.

As a youth, Tonia attended Encanto Elementary School before transferring to Monterey Heights Elementary School to finish the sixth grade. Tonia spent one year at Keeler Middle School before joining her brother at O'Farrell Junior High School. She would later attend Mt. Miguel High School in Spring Valley, CA. In her formative years, Tonia had shown great interest and promise in dance and poetry. She became very involved in school activities early on, and was a member of her high school multi-cultural club until she encountered what would come to be one of many health-related setbacks. Tonia would miss most of her sophomore year in high school, but would persevere to receive her diploma and graduate with the class of 1987.

Tonia received Christ as a youth, and would be baptized at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. In 1995, Tonia would join in fellowship and was a member of the choir at Manna Church of God in Christ, under the Pastor Gerald Miller. Tonia's compassion and generosity were widely felt during her years of affiliation with the church. There, she developed eternal friendships and an intense passion for serving others. Tonia's home and heart were always open to family and friends alike. Many a friend would find rest and comfort by her generosity - at a time their greatest need.

Tonia was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Daniel and Pauline Dill; and her maternal grandparents, Carl and Juanita Davis. Tonia is survived by her parents, Donald and Carla Dill; her brother Tony Dill; sister Tammy Dill Moore; sister-in-law Beverly Dill; brother-in-law Ahmed Moore; nieces Jasmine McDavid, Janee Moore, Kylah Dill, and Tiana McDavid; nephews Michael Moore, and Darius McDavid; uncles Dale Davis, Lee Davis, and Carl D. Davis; aunts Marlene Davis, Rosaline Davis, Joy Davis, and Lauren Davis; and a host of loving family and friends.

Funeral Service

A funeral service and burial is planned for:

June 28, 2010, at 10am

New Creation Church

3115 Altadena Avenue

San Diego, CA 92105-3604

Cards of condolences can be mailed to:

PO Box 212934

Chula Vista, CA 91921

The family request that in lieu of flowers all donations be made to:

Tonia Dill Memorial Fund

c/o Bank of America

PO Box 212934

Chula Vista, CA 91921

or

Online at:

http://www.giveforward.org/tdmf

A Piece of me Died Today...

It was just before sunrise when my cell phone rang. My first thought was "it's a little early in the morning to receive a phone call, even for a Happy Father's Day". But that wasn't the purpose of this call. My 'baby' sister, Tammy was calling to tell me that my 'little' sister, Tonia didn't wake up this morning. Of course, she was hysterical, her words barely understandable through the gut-wrenching cries. It still has not quite sunk in yet. My little sister passed away today. And with her passing, a piece of me is gone as well.

She was the little kindergarten kid who got more than her share of spankings because she'd waited for her big brother at the playground so that she wouldn't have to walk home alone. There was also that summer she decided that it would be fun to play little league baseball. It was fun while it lasted, but she'd shortly loose interest. I won't have anyone to tag along anymore. A piece of me died today.

We walked to school together from as far back as I can remember; from grade school through high school. She was always there, we were always together. I'd say: "Let's go this way today, I think I know a short cut". Never a fuss, there'd be no opposition. She'd gladly go. My sidekick, traveling companion, is no longer available for the ride. A piece of me died today.

We argued over television programming choices. Her "Happy Days" to my "Bionic Man". She'd eventually get her way. Later I'd be introduced to a slew of daytime soap operas; a summer habit I carried off to college with me that fall. I never understood the "Laverne and Shirley" humor, but it was right up her ally. My since of humor will never be the same. A piece of me died today.

One of the most generous and devoted people I've ever known is no longer with us to give of herself, her time, and understanding. My love for her is strengthened in memory of her life, of our lives together. Her memory lives on, but a piece of me is gone for good. A piece of me died today.

I Love You Little Sister!

God be with you!

I'll miss you...

Tonia Michelle Dill
September 30, 1968 - June 20, 2010