In memory of

Tona LaVon Penland

Jacksonville, FL

February 18, 1947 - October 29, 2023

Feb 18, 1947 - Oct 29, 2023

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In memory of

Tona LaVon Penland

Passed

October 29, 2023
Born

February 18, 1947
Resided

Jacksonville, FL

Photo

Tona Penland was born on February 18, 1947, in the small town of LaFayette, Ga. to Euna and Clyde Penland. Tona passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 29, 2023, in Macon, Ga. where she resided for the past three years.

Tona spent her childhood years living in LaFayette and was active in basketball and supportive of LaFayette High School. When she graduated from high school, she went to Shorter University in Rome, …

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Tona was my namesake and my cousin. My mom, Gail, and her cousins, Faye and Joann, were like sisters so really she was more like an aunt.

Growing up I was always Little Tona and she was Big Tona so everyone knew who someone was talking about. I always looked up to her. She was the best storyteller and had the kindest heart.

Her laugh was infectious and her smile contagious.

She just wrote a second book about her teaching experiences and I hope everyone gets to read it: TEACHING IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE. It is on Amazon. The first one was controversial and I am glad she was able to express herself. We all have history that needs to be addressed at some point in our lives. I am grateful she was able to process and make sense of her experiences.

In peace always, Little Tona