Tonya "Toni" Dean

Tonya “Toni” Dean, 53, of Phenix City, Al passed away on November 5, 2024. A visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N, Phenix City, Al 36867 on Friday November 8, 2024, at 5-7 pm. A graveside service will be held at Hillside United Methodist Church Cemetery, 3737 US Hwy 80 W, Phenix City, Al on Saturday November 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm. 

Toni was born in Columbus, Ga on November 30, 1970, to Frankie and Ginger Arrington. After graduating high school, she attended Troy University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She was a social worker for DFCS in Troup County and Columbus for 15 years. She was passionate about her job and saved the lives of many women and children by helping get them out of dangerous situations. She was also a part of the Battered Shelter for Women of Columbus and 4-H Club. Toni was a talented artist and loved to draw. She was also a writer, and her poems and articles have been published in magazines. She collected dolls from the 1800’s, enjoyed watching horror movies and reading Stephen King books, and loved to garden flowers. She also advocated for Pit Bulls and contributed to a volunteer rescue for Pit Bulls to make sure they joined a loving home. As much as she loved her career and the rescue, she loved her family most of all. Her favorite night of the week was Wednesday night where she would have sister night with her sister Joni to have dinner and talk. They also went on girl’s trips often, notably to Atlanta and Ringgold, Ga. She loved doing everything as a family. Toni was loyal, loving and dedicated. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. 

Tonya Dean is survived by her Parents, Frankie and Ginger Arrington; sister, Joni Arrington; grandson Jeremy “Little Sonny” McClure; nephew Brennon Ryan; as well as numerous extended family and dear friends. 

Tonya is preceded in death by her son, Jeremy “Sonny” McClure; and grandparents, Frank and Annie Ruth Arrington, and Leonard and Dorothy Koon.