LaTonya Shaneill Brown, lovingly known as “Tonya,” was born on September 5, 1965, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. LaTonya was the second birth-child of the late Emmett Hubbard and Lueceal Mason.
On July 3rd, 1987, Latonya married Joseph Darnell Brown in Eau Clair, Michigan. LaTonya peacefully passed away on her 37th wedding anniversary, Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, at 5 a.m. at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Those who knew Tonya best describe her as the most loving person, a gentle soul, she took on her cancer diagnosis with strength and courage. LaTonya’s impact and personal sacrifice on her family will be long-lasting.
LaTonya accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at New Bethal Baptist church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where she was also baptized. LaTonya graduated from Eau Claire High School class of 1983, located in Eau Claire, Michigan. Tonya excelled in track and field, competing in the 100 and 200-yard dash events. Tonya worked at Ausco Products in Benton Harbor, MI, but one of her many gifts was being a personal caregiver for her grandmother Louise Mason, Aunt Gladys Mason, and her mother Lueceal Mason. Her diverse talents included hand-picking fruit for jelly and jams (strawberry, grape, apple, and peach), crafting cha cha, apple butter, and peanut butter cookies for her family and friends. Additionally, she had a deep passion for knitting, creating hand-made blankets, booties, scarves, and hats. A skilled fisherman, she enjoyed fishing with her husband Joseph, even going as far as borrowing your hotspot as you reeled in your catch from the lake.
LaTonya leaves to cherish her wonderful memory, her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, Joseph D. Brown; her mother Lueceal Mason of Benton Harbor MI, three brothers Roderic C. Townes of Battle Creek, MI, Jamane E. Mason of Benton Harbor, MI, and Rodney Hubbard of Benton Harbor, MI., nephews Jamal A Townes and Gregory C. King both of Battle Creek, MI.
Additionally, LaTonya leaves her aunts and uncles, Rosetta Draper-Faulkner of Tucson, AZ; Gladys Mason of Benton Harbor, MI; Betty Mason of Benton Harbor, MI; Alex Washington of San Diego, CA; Mary Booth (Adrian) of Detroit, MI; Joyce Mason of Sacramento, CA; Charles Mason (Debbie) of Warner Robins, GA; Sharyl Victorian (Frank) of San Diego, CA; Linda Mincey (Willie) of Sacramento, CA; Sheila Frazier (Joseph) of Tucson, AZ; Michael Mason (Joy) of Eau Claire, MI; and Aundrey Mason (Sophia) of Benton Harbor MI; Elaine Sumpter of Benton Harbor, MI; Patricia (Dewayne) Robinson of Eau Claire, MI; Sylvia (Kaya) Sanders of Benton Harbor, MI
LaTonya is survived by her great aunt, Alice Clay of CA, two great uncles, Roy Glasper (Nancy) of CA, and Theodis Glasper (Lillian) of MO, along with sister-in-law Effie Brown, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
LaTonya was preceded in death by her father Emmett Hubbard of Detroit, MI, grandparents, Ellis and Louise Mason four aunts, Allen Mason, Gloria Rush Charlisle Mason, and Regina Mason, four uncles Willie (Jackie), Freddie Hayes, Dewayne Thompson, Ellis C. Mason Jr., one nephew Roderick Townes Jr, and one great nephew Mykah Townes, three cousins, Raymond Calloway, Adrian M. Booth, Harry Rush II, along with her in laws Emanuel and Adine Brown
II Timothy 4: 7-8
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Posted On: Monday, July 8, 2024 4:06 PM
