Ms. Tonia Stanley

STANLEY, Ms. Tonia Stanley - Age 61, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Ascension-Genesys. Family Hour 11:00 AM Monday, September 25, 2023, at Cathedral of Faith Church of God In Christ, 6031 Dupont St., with funeral service commencing at 12:00 PM, Bishop Chris Martin, Host Pastor, Pastor Matthew Jackson, officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 11:00 AM Monday. Ms. Stanley will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday. Tonia Michelle Stanley, age 61, gained her heavenly reward and went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Tonia Stanley was born in Flint, Michigan on May 14, 1962 to Normadeen Stanley and Leon Morris. She was the eldest of four siblings. She grew up in Flint and attended Flint Community Schools. While attending Flint Northern High School, she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Basketball Team. Tonia was a proud graduate of the Flint Northern Class of 1980. She went on to further her education at Jordan College and the University of Michigan (Flint and Ann Arbor campuses). Tonia started her lifelong journey as a Christian at an early age and was faithful until her death. She strived to live a life that was pleasing and acceptable to God. She nurtured her spiritual experience starting at Deliverance C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of the late Elder Zack Smith, Sr. Later, she joined fellowship with Greater Bibleway C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of late Superintendent A.C. Lee; and Greater Friendship Azusa C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of the late Superintendent Birdis Shields, Sr. Before her call to glory, she was a faithful member of Refuge Temple Church of Flint under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Jackson. Tonia was diligent and committed in all she did. She was greatly appreciated for her tireless work ethic and was a beloved employee and colleague at University of Michigan-Flint and Ann Arbor, Baker College, Delphi Automotive, Hurley Hospital, and McLaren Hospital corporate office. Tonia’s natural caring and selfless inclination earned her a special meritorious award for saving a colleague’s life while working at General Motors Delphi. Tonia truly had a heart for people. She was an encourager, a cheerleader, an advocate, a champion, and a community servant. Tonia’s smile could light up the darkest of spaces. She enjoyed having fun; she loved music, dancing, singing, writing poems, and acting. She once took part in the gospel stage play God’s Trombones at the Flint McCree Theater. And she, of course, loved University of Michigan football - Go Blue! Tonia was resilient and optimistic; her spiritual and mental fortitude allowed her to not only survive, but defy odds. She was a fighter, and love was her weapon of choice. Tonia’s legacy of love will live on. Yeah, buddy! Tonia Stanley is survived by 3 sisters: Sandra Sprinkle, Khadija Stanley, and Sharaun Stanley; 1 brother, Desmond Morris, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her Blessed friends: Charlene Obleton, Niketta Smith Fleming, and Reginia Pitts Shelton. Tonia was preceded in death by her grandparents, Sam and Bessie Mae Stanley, father, Leon Morris, and mother, Normadeen Stanley-Thompson. The family of Tonia M. Stanley extends our deepest gratitude for the prayers and the many expressions of love and support during this difficult time. We would like to thank Pastor Matthew Jackson and Refuge Temple Church of Flint; Bishop Christopher E. Martin Sr. and Cathedral of Faith C.O.G.I.C.; and Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home for their care, love, and support. Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff of Medilodge of Grand Blanc Nursing Home and the Ascension Genesys Hospital Critical and Intensive Care Units for providing Tonia exceptional care.

Ms. Tonia Stanley

May 14, 1962 - September 17, 2023