Tonya E. Betts

November 17, 1967 - April 8, 2021

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace: they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:2 Tonya Elaine Betts, 53, of Richmond, Virginia was born the daughter of Brenda E. Dozier and Felix L. Johnson Jr. on November 17, 1967 in Baltimore, Maryland. Sadly she gained her wings on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Tonya received her formal education and graduated from Edmondson Senior High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She then later went on to further her education at Fortis College in Richmond, Virginia. Tonya accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with St. James Memorial UMC in Baltimore, Maryland where she served as an Usher and a member of the choir. Tonya Johnson was united in holy matrimony with Thomas C. Betts on June 12, 1990 in Richmond, Virginia. Their union was blessed with two adored and wonderful children. In 1990, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) leaving her disabled physically, but not mentally or spiritually. She was a true warrior as she battled MS for the next 30 years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, socializing, trying new foods, watching her Lifetime movies, Jerry Springer and Swamp People. Tonya was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend although many may remember her as Tangerine “Tangy”, the beautiful charismatic, quick thinker, whom was always kind with her deliverance, but yet blunt and to the point. Tangy was always matching your energy, and unapologetically being herself. Her sassy soul, bright smile, and joyous charm will remain in our hearts forever. She is preceded in death by her father Felix L. Johnson Jr.; father-in-law Mervin L. Warner; aunts Mable Hodge, Mama Jessie Kearson, Gloria Kearson, Alverta Bartley, and Delores Pittman; uncles Alphonso Woodson and Daddy Buster Kearson; brothers-in-law, Wayne Betts and Patrice “TC” Warner, and sister-in-law Altovese Warner. She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Thomas C. Betts; daughter and son, Amber Betts (Darryl) and Thomas J. Betts (Brittney); granddaughter, Trenity Bynum; mother, Brenda Dozier; siblings, Felix Johnson III and Micheal Johnson; aunts, Hattie D. Woodson and Bonnie-Faye Moore (Prentiss); extended aunts, The Kearson Sisters; uncle, Franklin Dozier (Alice); extended uncles, Aaron Kearson and Thomas Kearson; mother-in-law, Catherine Betts-Lopez (Bede); In-laws, James Warner (Traci), Amy Betts, Betty Lopez and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bede “BJ” Lopez, Jr.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and sibling/cousins, other relatives and friends.