Tonya Evette Blake (Clarke) was born July 1, 1970 in Leonardtown, Maryland to Brenda E. Williams and Jerome Clarke Sr. She attended St. Mary’s County Public schools and graduated from Great Mills High School in 1988. At the time of her untimely death, she was employed with Resource Management Concepts at NSF Indian Head Naval Base. Throughout her career she received numerous awards and accolades. Tonya was also a licensed insurance broker with Aflac. Tonya was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Lexington Park, Maryland. Tonya was known through her community as “the life of the party”. Her exuberant and larger than life personality made her more than memorable. She enjoyed shopping, watching movies, and spending time with her large host of family & friends. Tonya leaves to cherish fond memories her children, Janae Blake, Jamarea Allen and Dennis Allen Jr. She is survived by her aunts and uncles, Elizabeth Blackistone, Jennifer Brown (Eli), Renee Shelton, Claudia Barnett, Lionel Williams, Bridgette Hughes (Bennie), Kevin Williams (Arlene), Edward Eldridge and godmother, Sylvia Rice-Thomas. She is also survived by her godchildren, Destinee and Marlee Mills, Serenity and Sincere Wade, and Jayceon Johnson. She leaves behind her cousins Tiye Ray-Drewrey, Wayne Mills Jr., Jenifer and Jonathan Brown, Warren Marshall III, Daniel Shelton Jr., Danyelle Barnett, Travis and Tramaine Hughes, Ashley, Brandon, Alisa and Kaylyn Williams, Beverly Bolt-King, Sharon Mason, Wayne Mills Sr., Latoyia Short, Marissa Maddoxx, and Phil Gough. She also leaves behind special family friend Sylvester Phillips (Theo Phillips) and his children Shyleen Jones, Erica Phillips and Maudette Olukotun. She is survived by longtime friends, Chris Woodland (Travis) and Louise Briscoe and godsister Rene Fenwick. Tonya is survived by a host of close family & friends. Tonya was preceded in death by her mother, Brenda Williams, grandmother Agnes Blackistone, grandfather Wilson (“W”) Woodrow Williams, brother Kevin T. Williams, Aunt Elizabeth “Sister” Bryan, Uncles John Eldridge, cousin Rontell Bryan and special family friend Joseph Berry. Her family will receive guests for a memorial service on Saturday February 27, 2021 at First Missionary Baptist Church from 3-4pm with service to follow from 4-5pm. Masks are required and temperature will be checked upon entry. Guests with a temperature greater than 100.4 ° will not be permitted entry. Hand sanitizer is provided upon entry.
I am extremely sorry to learn of Tonya’s passing! Her Family will be in my prayers!
Gone too soon Tonya you were a beautiful ray of sunshine whose legacy of love will live forever. My condolences and prayers to your children, family and friends. Praying you all find comfort and strength from God during this difficult time. Linda & John Banks and family. Lexington Park MD
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.