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, Ga. where she received a B.A. Upon graduation from Shorter in 1969, she moved to Jacksonville, FL. where she taught 5th- grade students for the next 40 years. Tona said "Teaching was her calling", and thousands of students benefitted from her expertise. An avid traveler who visited 49 of 50 states (excluding Hawaii), she fell in love with Alaska and drove there five times during summer breaks. Her travels influenced her teaching as she brought information and teaching points back to her students to enhance their knowledge. After retirement, Tona authored two books published by Amazon Publishing. She was hopeful that her books would help others who shared some of her experiences to know they could live a rewarding life and that they were not alone. Tona was a dog lover and was faithfully loved by each of her pets. She gave generously throughout her life to Animal protection charities and St. Jude Children's Hospital. If you would like to give a donation "In memory of Tona," these are organizations that were close to Tona's heart. Services will be private as instructed by Tona. May Tona rest in peace, knowing that her loving spirit was meaningful to many.

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