"Tona, you were such a beautiful and selfless soul. You always put your family and those you loved ahead of yourself, showing care and compassion in everything you did. You will be greatly missed in our family."

~ Aubree Nimmo

A

"Tona, I have such great memories of you at the Corral parties. You will be missed."
~ Armando Esquivel

"Mama Tona, your presence always lit up the room. You cared so deeply for others and their troubles, always offering support when any of us needed anything. I know you’re still watching over us, now as an angel above. Cheers, Mom."

~ Alisha Dugger

"We miss you, Tona." 💕

~ Amanda Fernamburg

"Tona, you were always there for us."

~ Cameron Millhollon

"Momma Tona, it’s hard to believe I’m speaking about you in the past tense. You were fierce, had a big heart, and always had an ear to listen. Whenever you spoke about your children and grandchildren, there was joy and peace in your eyes, even if there was a hint of frustration. Bottom line: you were incredibly proud of each and every one of them. I miss you, and we all miss you.

We shared a special bond—an only-child bond. Now, you’re our guardian angel. Stephenson family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Let’s not take each day for granted, even when it feels boring, difficult, joyful, or stressful. Life is meant to be beautifully chaotic, and every challenge is shaped by our mindset. Let’s love each other more than ever."

~ Christie (Chris) Acosta

C

"Tona, those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever. You will always have a place in mine."

~ Corey Bank

"Tona, you were loved by so many people and were a mother figure to so many. Your presence always brought a smile to my face, even when I was feeling down. May you fly high, Momma Tona."

~ Chris Denzoin

"Grandma, I loved you so much and will forever miss you."
~ Carter Stephenson

"Sending love to you, Jeff (El Jefe), during this difficult time. May Tona rest in peace—she will never be forgotten."

~ Charles McMillian (Charlie Brown)

"Tona, my mom and I met you and Jeff in 1986 when you moved in next door. I was just nine years old, and I spent so much time with you all. I’ve always considered Ryan, Blake, and Travis as my brothers, and you and Jeff as my second parents. You always treated my mom and me like family, and we’ve always felt the same way about you.

I’ll always remember your beautiful laugh and smile. I’m so grateful for the talks we shared over the years and for all the wonderful memories of you. One thing that stands out so vividly is how much you loved being a boy mom—you were so proud of Ryan, Blake, and Travis.

Tona, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you forever."

~ Caroline Beno

"Tona, you were a beautiful soul, lovingly called 'Momma' by so many. Your caring nature, thoughtfulness, and advice created so many memories I’ll cherish forever. I loved you dearly. ❤️"

~ Donielle Graven

D

"Tona, you were such an amazing cousin. Growing up, you would always come over, visit with our family, play games, and hang out. You had this way of making everything more exciting, and I admired your personality so much! I’m pretty sure you invented putting ketchup on tacos, and it’s just one of the little things that makes me smile when I think of you.

As I grew older and had my own daughters, they all called you Aunt Tona. Your presence still had that same magic—it made everything feel special and fun. I have so many great memories of you, and it breaks my heart that you’re no longer here with us.

We may not always understand God’s timing, but I have faith that we will meet again in Heaven one day. Until then, I’ll cherish every moment we had the privilege of sharing. I love you and miss you, my beautiful cousin."

~ Eric Guerra

E

"Tona, you made me an uncle at just 7 years and 3 days old, and I’ll never forget that day of celebration. Newman was only 1 year and 4 months old at the time, and you brought so much joy to our family.

I still remember a week after your birth, hearing the loudest scream imaginable! Back then, babies were always placed on the bed protected by blanket rolls. Newman must have wanted to get closer or something, and he ended up pulling you off the bed. The screaming from Suandra and my mom was unforgettable, and, even now, I can almost hear it again. Of course, you were just fine, and you grew up to be a beautiful, strong woman.

You and I were so close in age that you felt more like a sister than a niece. I don’t recall us ever arguing.

35 years ago, when I was relocating, you opened your home to me and let me stay with you and your family for a few months. You were always so welcoming and kind.

It’s hard for me to accept that you are gone. You are so deeply loved. As long as I have a sound mind, I will always think of you as my sister, my niece, a great mom, and a loving grandma."

~ Uncle Freeman Millhollon

F

"Tona, you were never just my aunt—you were my cousin, and I loved you so much. You were older than the rest of us cousins, and when we started calling you Aunt, no one corrected us. So, you became both Aunt and cousin, which made you double awesome. You will be deeply missed."

~ Gerad Millhollon

G

"I have so many memories of my niece Tona, but one in particular stands out. It perfectly captures her kindness, sensitivity, and love. Thirty-three years ago, I was in labor with my youngest and absolutely miserable. Tona saved the day. She came to stay with me at the hospital, bringing Travis, who was only 3 months old at the time, along with her. She sat by my bedside, offering love and support to help me get through. I think of that moment often. Rest in peace, dear Tona—you are sorely missed."

~ Gretchen Millhollon

"Rest in Peace Tona. Love always”

- JD and Lorena

"Tona, I was so sorry to hear about your passing. My sincere condolences go out to your family."

~ Jeff Gaul

J

"Tona, wow, I have so many memories—birthday parties, trips to The River, and especially the Sand Dunes. 😊 You were always smiling, even when your thoughts might not have been so pleasant with Jeff. 🤷‍♂️ 🤣😂😅 You had such a good heart and a beautiful soul! 🩷🩷 I was absolutely shocked to hear of your passing. You will be missed dearly by so many. 😢"

~ Jim Stallings

"Tona, your warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew you. The memories we shared will forever be cherished, and your presence will be deeply missed. Rest peacefully, knowing how much you were loved."

~ Dr. John Millhollon Turner

"Tona, I’m the reason everyone calls you 'Mom,' and it’s a name that fits you perfectly. You cared for so many and made everyone feel loved, just like a mom would. You will be missed dearly."

~ John Jaques

"Tona, I had the pleasure of meeting you about six years ago when I started working at the Corral. You used to joke about me being your long-lost daughter, and it always made me smile. Though you were a private person, your kindness and warmth shone through to both new and familiar faces in our Corral family. Your memory will be cherished and fondly remembered. I only wish I’d had the chance to say goodbye and share one final hug. Until we meet again, sweet Tona."

~ Jennifer Faber

"Tona, I hope they have microwave-safe chili bowls up there! Thank you for your love, kindness, and guidance. You will always be missed."

~ Jon Blackford

"I'm so sorry for your loss. May Tona rest in peace."

~ Jim McAulay

"Tona, you were always so welcoming and loving. You had a listening ear and a genuine concern for what was happening in people’s lives. Your beautiful smile and wonderful laugh made everyone feel at home and like they truly belonged.

Every time I went away and came back home, you were always there with the family to greet me at the airport. You didn’t have to do it, but you did it because you cared and loved me, and I always appreciated that.

Tona, we love you so much! I look forward to you greeting me when I get to Heaven."
~ Keith Guerra

"Tona, I love you! You are so very missed! 💛💛💛💛"

~ Kimberly (Kimi) Carbone

K

"Tona, thank you so much for blessing me with the man of my dreams. You were an amazing mother, and I can only dream of being as good as you were. I want to love my children the way you loved yours. You were the very definition of fun. You will truly be missed. Until we meet again—love and miss you, Tona."

~ Kimberley Gross

"Tona, I have such fond memories of you. When you were about 9 or 10, you stayed with us for several nights. I still remember how you had a little crush on my brother Kenny—I even caught the two of you exchanging a quick kiss and laughing about it! Later, when I had Gerad, and Sister Bray could no longer care for him due to her health, you volunteered to help. You took such excellent care of him, playing with him in the pool and making sure he was happy.

You were such a joyful teenager, a dedicated Christian, and never missed church. Whenever I think of you, it’s always with warmth and gratitude. I really liked you and loved being around your fun and happy spirit.

I know you will be greatly missed. I prayed for you and cried when I heard of your passing. ✝️ But I take comfort in knowing we’ll see you again in Heaven. ❤️"

~ Leslie Foreman Bilyeu

L

"Tona, you were like a mama to everybody. I miss you dearly in my salon chair and hearing your infectious laugh."

~ Lisa Cota

"Tona, you were always so pleasant and friendly. You made me feel so welcome in your home. I love you and your family."

~ Mike Kennedy

M

"Tona, my beloved niece, the only child of my oldest sister, Suandra, you are the cherished sister-niece who I adore. Freeman, who shared a beautiful reflection, is 'OUR' brother and your uncle, and I’m just one year and four months older than you—being an 'oops baby' made me your 2nd brother uncle. I was born when my mother was 36, on her birthday. I can't even imagine the church gossip when the pastor’s wife got pregnant with me, a "no-no" for a 36-year-old in the 50’s, and then, just 16 months after I was born, her daughter had you. If only we could have been flies on the wall to hear all that!

Even though I always knew you were my niece, you were more like a sister to me. When I was just five, my parents became missionaries to British Honduras, now Belize, and we were separated. I was so heartbroken to be apart from you, but also, one of the most important people I looked forward to seeing when we came back to the States was you, my sister-niece, Tona. Even though distance kept us apart, we still grew up together in spirit. You even visited me in Belize, and those times remain etched in my heart.

The bond we shared was one of unparalleled closeness and love. I can’t even express how much I loved you. Just days before you passed, I was blessed to see you, and my heart aches from the memory of that meaningful exchange we shared. You gave me a piece of paper that I will treasure forever, where you wrote about what mattered most to you—your family. That paper is now a sacred reminder of your beautiful heart.

Missing you, Tona, doesn’t even begin to capture the depth of grief that overwhelms me. Yet, I hold onto the precious memories of our times together. Your love and spirit continue to keep our family connected, even though so many of our loved ones— Daddy, Jerry, Mother, Ruby, Bill, Lisa, and Yuri—are now with you. One day, we will all be together again.

You gave me the greatest gifts through your family: your husband, my wonderful nephew Jeff, and your three incredible sons—Ryan, Blake, and Travis. They mean the world to me, as do your beautiful grandchildren and the generations of nieces and nephews you’ve left behind.

Now, it’s just Freeman, Yudora, and me from our original family group. But we are surrounded by the love of Eva,her husband John and lovely daughters, Andrea and her children, Ruby’s children, and all your wonderful cousins— Yudora’s and Don’s sons, Eric, Keith, Trevor, and Freeman’s Children Ruby, Freeman Jr., Gerad, Adam, and Roman— so many families. You have been part of the fabric and glue that held this family together through time, and every one of us has felt the closeness you nurtured in our family, even from a distance. I want to name everyone, but there are simply too many whose lives you touched deeply. If I’ve left anyone out, forgive me—your love reached us all.

Over the years, time and distance have grown between us, but never in our hearts. The closeness of our Daddy Thruman and Mother Reba, your grandparents, who instilled in all of us an unshakable bond lived on through you. Nothing compares to the love we have all shared, and you, my dearest sister-niece, embodied that love beyond measure.

As I write this, tears flow freely at the thought of losing your physical presence. But truly, I haven’t lost you, Tona. You live on in my heart, in the love you’ve left with so many, and in the countless lives you’ve touched.

I love you forever, Tona."

~ Your Uncle Bother, Newman

N

"Tona, thank you for all the laughs, for believing in me, and for always being my friend. You are missed more than you know! 🩷"

~ Nicole Carlo

"Tona, I’m praying for love and comfort for everyone who loves you. You will be missed dearly. My mom Ruby loved you so very much. ❤️"
~ Stephanie Millhollon

S

"Tona, you always had such a big heart. You let my daughters move in so they could have their own apartments, trusting me when I said they would pay their rent on time—and they have. Your kindness and generosity meant so much to us. I know how much you adored your grandchildren and loved your boys beyond words; you always made that so clear. You will be deeply missed by so many."

~ Shelley Acuna

"Tona, John 14:1-3 comes to mind as I think of you:

'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'

Rest peacefully in the place prepared for you."

~ Sergio Angulo

"Tona, I’m so sorry to hear of your passing. It’s heartbreaking—you were far too young. You will be deeply missed."

~ Steve Crossman

"Cousin Tona, I will always remember your kindness and your unforgettable laugh. You were one of the most understanding and compassionate people I could ever hope to know. Your positivity, no matter the situation, was contagious, and you had a special way of lighting up a room while making everyone around you feel special.

Even when time passed between us, you always made me feel welcome, as if no time had passed at all, because of the strong family bond we shared. I can’t wait for the day we meet again in Heaven."

~ Trevor Guerra

T

"Tona, when I was in preschool, I went to Bethel Tabernacle. My grandma took me there as a 3-year-old. Years later, my daughter started dating Blake, who lives in the house I would stop and turn around at when I rode my bike from our apartment—which, now I realize, were your apartments. You were my teacher back then. You were such a loving and great woman, and you are truly missed. I’ll see you when I get there."

~ Trina Campbell/Bryant

"I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help."

~ Will Salameh

W

"Tona, I miss you so much, my beautiful, precious niece. I fell in love with you the day your mother brought you home from the hospital. Holding you in my arms for the first time, I was so proud—you made me an aunt at just 12 years old, and I became your Aunt Dora!

I could write a whole book about the wonderful and fun times we had as you grew up. Watching you grow into the amazing woman you became filled me with so much pride. I still remember your beautiful wedding day—another moment when you made me so proud. Watching you walk down the aisle, my beautiful blue-eyed girl, was unforgettable.

You always dreamed of having a big family because being an only child wasn’t fun for you. Then, you made me even prouder when you had Ryan, Blake, and Travis, making me Great Aunt Dora! You were such a loving, caring, and always-available mother for your boys. Later, when your grandchildren came along, you loved them with all your heart.

My heart is broken trying to comprehend your loss. But one day, I will step into Heaven with you, and we will never be parted again. I love you so much, Tona."

~ Aunt Dora (Yudora Guerra)

Y

Celebrating Tona Stephenson's Life

Join us in honoring Tona's legacy through heartfelt stories, cherished memories, and reflections that celebrate her unique journey and the love she shared with family and friends.

A beautiful tribute to Tona.

From Family & Friends