THE LOVING
A Reflection of Life, Love & Service
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF Elder
Friday, June 28, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Abundant Life Church of Christ
3700 Goodell Road Richmond, VA 23223
OFFICIANT
Apostle Dr. Brenda L. Conyers, Garment of Praise Deliverance Kingdom of God Ministries, Intl., Richmond, VA
EULOGIST
Bishop Ernest Folston The Potter’s House International Ministries, Jacksonville, FL
ORDER OF WORSHIP
PROCESSIONAL
Clergy & Family - ALCC Music Ministry
PRAYER OF COMFORT
Prophet Cyril Howell, Ambassadors of Life in Christ Church, Greensboro, NC
READING OF OLD TESTAMENT
Pastor Bob Govendar, Bethleham Ephratah Church, Umkomass, South Africa
READING OF NEW TESTAMENT
Elder George Foreman, ALCC
MUSICAL SELECTION
Pastor Cheryl D. Frazier, Beracah Faith Ministries Intl., Temecula, CA
OBITUARY AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Deacon Burnnie Morant, ALCC
VIDEO TRIBUTE
Created in loving tribute by Tonya’s husband, Pastor Isaac B. Edgerton
REFLECTIONS
MUSICAL SELECTION
Pastor Cheryl D. Frazier
Beracah Faith Ministries Intl., Temecula, CA
EULOGY
Bishop Ernest Folston, The Potter’s House International Ministries, Jacksonville, FL
• Apostle Steve I. Foreman - Father
• Pastor Gary Foreman - Brother
• Damita Gonzalez - Cousin
• Elder Izetta Vaughan - Friend
• Joshua, Aaron, Matthew & Timothy Edgerton - Son
MUSICAL TRIBUTE
Timothy Edgerton -“Highest Praise” written by Elder Tonya F. Edgerton
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
A LIFE TO REMEMBER ELDER TONYA G. FOREMAN EDGERTON
May 21, 1964 - June 21, 2024
Tonya Gaye Foreman Edgerton departed this life on June 21, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1964 to Drs. Steve & Olivia Foreman. Tonya was born and raised in the church as a PK (preacher’s kid). She is the third born and eldest daughter of Chief Apostle Foreman and Lady O, the founders of the Abundant Life Church of Christ (ALCC) in Richmond, Virginia.
During her formative years, Tonya began her childhood education in the Church Hill School District of Richmond before moving to the Western Henrico County Public School System in Glen Allen, Virginia. Tonya graduated from Hermitage High School in 1982. She participated in various school activities to include throwing the shot put in track and field. She also enjoyed playing tennis at Battery Park in the North side of Richmond. She found a way to be a light and a witness for Jesus even at a young age.
Tonya was the wife of almost 36 years to Pastor Isaac B. Edgerton, ALCC Assistant Pastor and Director of Music and Arts. God blessed their union with 4 adult men; Joshua (wife Alicia), Aaron (wife Olivia), Matthew and Timothy – all of whom are college graduates and love the Lord. She was also a very proud grandmother to 5-year-old Yara Camille. She greatly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed their playtime together. Tonya was an exemplary mother, grandmother, a devoted wife and an excellent cook. Her macaroni and cheese was unrivaled.
She loved to laugh and watch her old Westerns TV shows. Her talkative manner was captivating and her lively banter was infectious.
Tonya had a sincere love for children and music. She played the piano since the age of 5. She gave her life to the Lord at an early age and served faithfully in ministry throughout the decades by singing in the Sunshine Band as a youth and the Love Ensemble as a young adult. She used her musical skills in the ALCC Praise Band and headed up the Praise Team and Chamber Orchestra for the longrunning Power-Filled Women’s Conferences. She wrote the PFW Theme song that is still sung to this day. Tonya also used her musical talents to sing on the ALCC Praise Team, Special Song Ministry, play with the ALCC and PFW Drum Corps as well as implement the Puppet Ministry for the kids. She participated in the ALCC Drama Ministry and served as the Assistant Director for the Music Department. She loved to praise and worship the Lord and it showed!
Tonya attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she studied Early Childhood Education. With this training and with God’s anointing, she taught at the Abundant Life Christian Academy and the Abundant Life Day Care where she served as the Assistant Director. For those collective 21 years, she not only educated the children, but she ministered the Word of God to them as well as to the parents.
Mrs. Edgerton’s excellent teaching techniques and organizational skills easily afforded her the title of “Teacher Extraordinaire!” She also founded and directed the Kingdom Seekers Children’s Choir. Sister Edgerton passionately served as the Children’s Ministry Leader for many years. She facilitated Vacation Bible School and Children’s Ministry Training and taught many workshops.
Because of her dedicated service and devotion, Tonya was ordained as an Elder at ALCC in 2008. For the past 20 years, Elder Tonya worked tirelessly as the ALCC Office Manager. She ran a tight ship as a “Gatekeeper” who kept the ministry in order. Elder Tonya gave ALCC many successful programs and great special services utilizing her event planning skills, ideas and talents. She served on the ALCC Board of Directors for several years. After a total of 39 years of invaluable contributions and employment with the church, Elder Tonya retired in 2022.
Elder Tonya had a tremendous call on her life to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in season and out. Elder Tonya conducted numerous workshops and training sessions in Children’s Ministry, living a holy, called out life and more. She had the uncanny ability to share hard subjects in an effective and thought-provoking way. Even while going through her own health challenges, Tonya displayed a powerful testimony of God’s keeping power! She boldly shared her faith in the doctor’s office and hospital, ministering salvation, healing and deliverance to all those in need. Many souls were touched as they came by to witness the victorious things God did in the life of our “miracle lady”.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Creade & Mable Anderson & Steve, Sr. & Roulette Foreman; her father-in-law: Angyln Edgerton; her nephew: Ayden Foreman; her best friend: Dr. Kimberly Randolph; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tonya leaves to cherish her memory:
Her Phenomenally Loving
& Devoted Husband — Isaac Bernard Edgerton
Her Sons — Joshua (Alicia), Aaron (Olivia), Matthew & Timothy Edgerton
One Granddaughter — Yara Camille Edgerton
Her Parents – Steve & Olivia Foreman
Two Brothers - Steve Foreman, III (Bonnie) & Adrian “Gary” Foreman (LaTanya)
Two Sisters – Kimberly Foreman Smith (Otis) & Monique Foreman Folston (Ira)
One Sister-in-Law – Angela Edgerton Collins (Presalee)
Her Mother-in-Law – Florence Edgerton
Nieces & Nephew – Kyler Smith [devoted], Olivia L. Foreman, Nyah Folston, Zoe Folston, DeJon Moore & Nichole Fulton-Barker
Great Nieces - Kori Edgerton, NaKiyah Lambert, Maddison Fulton-Barker
Uncles – Levi Braye, Everette Johnson, Sr. & George Foreman
Aunts – Fern Anderson, Annette Foreman (Paul), Brenda Foreman, Avilla Jacks, Gloria Gresham, Blanche Lewis & Sandra Finney
Devoted Cousins – Damita Braye-Gonzalez (Domingo) & Areatha Colleen Roane (James)
Devoted Friend – Izetta C. Vaughan (Kenneth)
A large Family to include a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins
Along with dedicated church family and friends
She fought a good fight. She has finished her course. Tonya kept the faith.
~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my own garden forever.”
“Who can find a virtuous “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far woman? for her price is far above rubies.” above rubies.”
Proverbs 31 Proverbs 31
Tribute to Our Sister Tonya
T TALKATIVE – There was never a dull moment in the house or on the phone when Tonya was around! You would have to prepare to be on the phone for hours and not able to get a word in edgewise.
O ONE-OF-A-KIND – Tonya was oh so incredibly unique! Her exuberant personality and boisterous laugh was infectious. She was the spark that got a fire going. She could not be copied nor duplicated.
N NOTORIOUS – Her reputation for strict rule-following preceded her. She was also known for requiring everyone to stick to protocol along with her set office procedures, or you would get a tongue lashing.
Y YOUTHFUL – Tonya loved to have fun with her family, friends, and church family. She loved to play games, sing and dance (although she was not that good at dancing). She always kept her praise to God lively!
A AUTONOMOUS – She possessed a self–directing freedom and a moral independence as directed by the Holy Spirit. Tonya always had an answer or solution for every question, every issue, every problem, and every need.
G GIVER – Tonya had a heart of gold. She was always thinking of others and how she could bless them. She often gave cute little trinkets and thoughtful gifts to her family, friends, and students for no reason. She would often give her last dime when necessary.
A AUTHORITATIVE – Tonya was spiritually strong in the Lord! As a woman of faith, she prayed many of us through! She knew how to decree and command the blessings. Also, as the Oldest Sister and the Boss of all of us, what she said went! Knuck if you Buck!
Y YELLING – Oh, you’re going to get it if there was a passionate point that Tonya was trying to convey. Her raspy voice did not stop her from telling you a thing or two. She would also yell with excitement and joy when celebrating others.
E EXCELLENCE – Tonya had a spirit of excellence about her. She put her heart and soul into everything she did. She successfully implemented well-laid out plans and executed Projects, Decorating, Crafting, Programs, Event Planning, Theatrical Productions, Serving in Ministry and much more with grace.
T THOUGHTFUL – She remembered important dates and celebrated life events with others. She cared deeply for her family and church family members and ensured all was well with others. She poured into the children of our community and around the world.
T TRANSFORMATIVE – Tonya had the ability to speak into your life and provoke change for the better. Sometimes, she would make you mad by what she said, but it turned out to be right in the long run! Over the course of her life, she led numerous souls to Christ. She will have many jewels in her crown!
A ACTION – Tonya was a woman of action. She did not like to waste time on unnecessary stuff. After completing one project, she was on to the next. She had a strong will and strong faith. She was a fighter.
M MERRYMENT – She enjoyed a good, hearty laugh or two, especially if someone fell. You could always catch her watching America’s Funniest Home Videos, a funny movie or comedian. She truly believed that laughter is the best medicine.
A AMAZING – We admire her strength. She overcame many challenges in life. She did not look like what she had been through. During this last battle, she showed and proved that God was still on the throne!
R RELENTLESS – Tonya determined to tell everyone about Jesus. She kept things real with you. She had always been a tell-it-like-it-is kind of person. She had drive and passion for the things of God and for her family. She was relentless to the end!
I INSIGHTFUL - Her discernment and prophetic gifting was on point. She always saw things from a different and deeper perspective. Tonya could see where people were and speak life into their situation. She has helped many people work through their problems with victory!
E EFFICIENT – Since her youth, Tonya always orchestrated things in the house. From helping Mom cook and take care of the house to leaving notes for our Dad on what needed to be done, to bossing all her younger and older siblings around, TONYA GAYETTA MARIE, as we affectionately call her, was the BEST SISTER anyone could ever ask for!
Well Done Sissy. Rest Well until we meet again…
With Love & Admiration, Your Siblings ~ Stevie, Gary, Kimberly & Monique
If roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her that I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.
Because remembering her is easy,I do it every day,
But there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away!
"REMAIN JESUS STRONG!"
“NÁ ÁlaÁ I ¹¯ea p ²ega²d Á eedJ f² I laÝe ea²ed p ÞlaÁeÝe² ¹ÁaÁe I aJ Á be cÁeÁK I
Þ lÞ Á be aba¹edJ ad I Þ lÞ Á
EÝe²äÞle²e ad p a Álpg¹ I laÝe
bÁl
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
ALCC Men of Destiny
Family and Friends
HONORARY FLORAL BEARERS
ALCC Sister’s Keeper Ministry
Family and Friends
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Family of Elder Tonya Foreman Edgerton would like to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for the love shown to us through during our time of bereavement. Your many acts of kindness and generosity; food, cards, calls, texts, visits and more, mean so much to us. Special thanks to the staff at Henrico Doctors Hospital (Forest Ave.) and the Sarah Cannon Network at Henrico Doctors for the care given to Tonya during her four year battle with ovarian cancer. May God bless and keep you.
