Tonya Christie

Tonya Winder Christy Stout was born November 28. 1972 at Tidewater Memorial Hospital and she passed away May 7, 2025, at Walter Reed Hospital from congestive heart failure. She fought a long and courageous battle.

Tonya is survived by her father, John O’Neal Winder of Tappahannock. She is also survived by a host of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jean Winder. She was widowed twice, Andy Christy and Jeff Stout, both succumbed to heart disease. Also preceding her in death were her grandparents, Guy Daw Sr. and Frances Daw, who loved her dearly.

Except for time away for college, Tonya lived her entire life in Tappahannock. She graduated from Essex High School and attended both Drake University and Northeastern State University. She was a gifted painter but her one true love was for her cats. She was the quintessential cat lady.

A memorial service will be held at Marks-Bristow Funeral Home on June 9 at 2pm. A reception to follow.

It will be a time of remembrance for both Tonya and her mother Mary Jean, now united in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, VCU pediatric cardiology, or the cat rescue of your choice.