Tonia Latrice Taylor

Tonia Latrice Martin Taylor, 45, of Ogden, transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, January 7, 2013, at Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan. The daughter of Mrs. Carolyn A. Grear and Mr. Thomas L. Martin, she was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 17, 1967. Tonia was united in holy matrimony to Carl B. Taylor on April 12, 1990 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Tonia graduated from Forbush High School in East Bend, North Carolina, attended Forsyth Technical College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University at Fort Riley, Kansas in 2001 and a Master's Degree from Washburn University in May of 2006. She was licensed by the State of Kansas, Behavioral Science Regulatory Board as a Master Social Worker, and Clinical Addictions Counselor. Tonia's work in the church began as an usher and choir member while a teenager at Tabernacle United Church of Christ in Yadkinville, North Carolina. In 1991, Tonia and Carl relocated to Babenhausen, Germany on military assignment. She became a member of the Gospel Service under the pastorate of Elder Larry Herron which later became Genesis Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Elder Luther Holmes, II. Her dedicated service, leadership and love for children resulted in her being appointed as the Sunshine Band President at the local, district and state levels. Upon her arrival to Fort Riley, she continued her work in the Youth Department at Mount Zion Church of God in Christ and was appointed as the District Youth Department Coordinator by Superintendent Caleb J. Weathersby. She attended licensing training through the Kansas East Women's Department under the leadership of Mother Roberta D. Thuston, Supervisor of Women, and in September of 1999, was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary. Tonia labored untiringly with her husband, Pastor Carl Taylor and the church congregation in the building of Mt. Zion Family Worship Center Church of God in Christ at 916 Yuma Street in Manhattan and she served faithfully as the First Lady for over 10 years. She was the Co-Founder of the Restoration Center, Incorporated, Behavioral Health Service Program in Manhattan and Junction City. Tonia leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband of 22 years, Pastor Carl Taylor, a daughter, Juoniah, of Ogden; three sons, Carlos of Bryam, Mississippi; Jonathan and Jordan, of Ogden; three grandchildren, LyTrevius, LaCariya and Cameron Taylor; her parents, Mrs. Carolyn A. Grear of Columbus, Ohio and Mr. Thomas L. Martin of Mocksville, North Carolina; Step-Mother, Mrs. Rita Martin, Columbus, Ohio; a sister Natasha (Steven R.) Adams; four brothers, Miguel E. (Nichole B.) Neil, Thomas C., Ronald and Demond T. (Kia S.) Martin. She was reared in the home of her loving Auntie and Uncle, Mrs. Sue Martin Woodruff affectionately known as 'Mama Sue' and Mr. Charles Woodruff and their children, Tangee, Sonja, Kellie and Shannon of Yadkinville, North Carolina; spiritual sister, Sylvia Sellars; seven God children, the Wallace's from Columbia, South Carolina; the members of Tabernacle United Church of Christ, Mt. Zion Family Worship Center, the Churches of God in Christ at large and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Mt. Zion Family Worship Center. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 14, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Manhattan, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Manhattan. Memorial gifts can be made for the benefit of the Tonia Taylor Memorial Fund c/o Mercy Community Health Foundation 1823 College Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502.