Tonia Yolanda Draper was born on October 31, 1958 to Kenneth and Louetta Springs Hall. She attended Kingsport City Schools and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1978.
She then attended Bill Wampler's Beauty School and throughout the years, maintained a good clientele in in hair and makeup.
Tonia was also a member of the Central Baptist Church and sang in the CBS youth choir (the Central Baptist Singers).
Tonia won several beauty pageants and was a Debutante. Her unique tenor sound paved the way for her to perform at many events throughout the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee. While attending the Abundant Church, she sang in the Praise Team and two groups, Chosen Generation and Rapture.
In 1992, Tonia moved her family to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee after being hired to perform in the Passion Play. She later developed, along with Melissa Harris and Regina Pate, a trio called True Divine. For 20 years, they blessed the East Tennessee region by performing at many church services, weddings, and shows like the Nativity Pageant. She had a special love and way with children that led her to a 24-year career as a teacher's assistant for the Sevier County Board of Education.
She was affectionately known as 'Miss Tonia' and 'Momma Tonia' by all her students and colleagues.
Tonia was a avid collector of Angels. Throughout the years, she received more than 1,000 from her family, friends and students.
Tonia was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Springs, Sr.; her father who nurtured her, Anderson Rudolph Hall; brothers, Curtis and Kenneth Wayne Springs; grandparents, Lester and Janie Springs and John and Louise Stewart; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
To mourn her passing, she leaves her mother, Louetta Springs Hall; son, Odell (Ashley) Draper III; daughter, Shenaiah (Dwayne) Thomas; sister, Vanessa Yvette Springs; EXTRA special siblings, Kenny (Nicole) Springs, Jr., Jamie Springs, and Sherika Nicole Springs; her beloved grandchildren, Tyreese, Taiya, Leilana, Cailyn, Dallas, Carson, and Brayden; great-grandchildren Sherry and Anastasia, and a host of very special friends, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Celebration of Life service for Ms. Tonia Draper will be conducted on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 1 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street in Kingsport, TN.
The family will receive friends from 12 PM until the hour of service.
Interment will follow at the Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.
Professional care of Ms. Tonia Draper and family is entrusted to the Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Inc., Kingsport.
