From Adele Sessoms

Dylan (Peep - the stuffed animal),

Remember making ginger bread houses at Christmas with our moms?  Our moms squeezed icing into our mouths!   One year Aunt Tonya and I ate so much candy our tongues turned black!  She was a good Aunt and I love her very much (plus you).







I love you Dylan always!  

Love,
Adele

From Aunt Beth Sessoms

Dylan,  

I think I should start by reminding you of how much your mom loved the Lord and how she mothered you in a way that showed that.  As I parent Adele I am always in awe of how your mom seemed to parent you with an ease that doesn't come naturally to most mothers.  I have always said that she was the best mother I knew!  Dylan, your mom loved you so very much and she wanted what was best for you.  She knew that what was best for you is a relationship with Christ.  So, I encourage you to read your Bible, spend time talking with God, tell him your joys and hurts... he will understand.  He loves you even more than your mom did (I know that is hard to believe but it is true).  

There are so many memories that I am not sure where to begin.  When we were little girls your mom and I would spend many hours playing in the woods, with dolls pretending to be mommies, dress up, riding our pony, Princess (who by the way wasn't very nice), playing board games like LIfe, and so much more.  Some of my favorite childhood memories with your mom were on Christmas Eve.  We would wait up ALL night long together so excited to see our presents on Christmas morning!  We LOVED, LOVED, LOVED playing in mud puddles.  We got so filthy!  We had such a fun childhood together.  She was a great sister.



Your mom and I found out we were pregnant about the same time.  We were so excited to share pregnancy and motherhood together.  That is a priceless gift to me.  We watched our bellies grow together, we watched you and Adele take your first steps together, say your first word, start the first day of kindergarten, and so so much more.



I remember one year while we were on our yearly beach vacation with Grammy and Papa (with the horses) I overheard you and your mom reading your bible together in your room.  Continue to study God's word as she taught you.  One of your mom's favorite things to do at beach was to look for shells.  She would go out onto the beach late at night and early in the morning to scour the beach for shells.  Last year she hit the jackpot and found all those beautiful whelk shells.  She was thrilled! 



Then there was the summer we all went to Ocracoke Island because you and Adele were in our cousin's wedding.   Your mom took so many pictures of you and Adele all dressed up.  She sure loved taking pictures.   We all slept in that tiny room together... but we LOVED it!  I remember your mom, Uncle Jason, and I watching so proudly as you and Adele danced together with the others in the wedding.  

Remember Christmas of 2010 when we all were snowed in at Grammy and Papa's.  We all built snowmen... and your mom's had a HUGE bottom and a little bitty head!  She was such fun!  You guys brought Jingles and he got to play with grammy and papa's dogs and our dog, Sandy.  And don't forget that is same Christmas that Aunt Vicki taught us all how to knit!  This is also the Christmas that you wrote your mom the beautiful note as a Christmas present and she treasured it so much.  What a wonderful and thoughtful son you have been.



I could go on all day about the memories that you two have shared with us.  I cherish each and every one.  We have so many memories to look back on and smile.  I pray that you do just that.  I look forward to making many more memories together and watching you grow.

But I think that the one thing I want you to remember... well two things.  Number one is that your mom loved the Lord and it was her desire to parent you in a way that showed that.  It was her desire that you grow into a Godly man and spend your days on this Earth serving and honoring Christ.  Your Uncle Jason and I are here should you ever want to talk with us about that.  Number two... WOW did she love you!   I can't tell you how many times she told me of her love for you and most days she didn't even have to say it, I could just see it in her eyes as she looked at you.  Dylan, you made her so happy.  She was in love with being your mother.  She said you were the BEST thing God had ever given her.  She was right!  You brought her unspeakable and undefinable joy.  



The only thing that could bring your mom more joy than being with you is to be in the presence of her Savior.  That is where she is now Dylan.  I know it is hard but we must rest and trust in that hope.  There will be days when the hurt is so great, but the hope in Christ is so much greater.  Run to him with your hurt, joys, question, struggles, and everything else.  That is what your mom did and would encourage you to do.  Your Uncle Jason, Adele, and I are always here for you... ALWAYS.  We love you so much, so very much.  

I love you sweet boy,

Aunt Beth

From the Brown Family

Dylan,

We love you like you are part of our family and you and your mom will be part of us forever.  Caitlin and Madison love playing with you; they look up to you as a role model and a leader.  Your mother has instilled that in you. While the reason that you have hung out with us after school is sad, we have been very HAPPY to spend time with you.  I hope you never lose your cheerful spirit, your love of life, your silly grin, and your crazy sayings that made your mom (and me) laugh so hard.

Your mother loved you more than words can express. She sacrificed much to raise you into a strong, intelligent, Christian man. You were ALWAYS her top priority. Always honor her by leading a purpose driven, honorable, Christian life. For me personally, your mom was the kind of lady that made me want to be a better person.  She taught me how to love my children a little more, take a little more time to simply breathe and laugh and appreciate life.  She made me a better mother and for that I will be eternally grateful.  Caitlin and Madison love how she always said "dang" and "Bless your heart." Your mom always gave me coupons for stuff she thought I might buy, samples of new foods she bought, and most of all she gave me a dependable friendship that I miss greatly.  

You and your mom have been a blessing in our lives, a blessing that will continue to live on in spirits, thoughts, and inspired actions for the rest of our lives.

We love you.
Seth, Joanna, Caitlin, and Madison Brown

From Those Who Attended Tonya's Funeral

At Tonya's funeral those who wanted to write a note for this blog or to Dylan were given some paper and a pen to do so. These are the notes that were collected.

Tonya, Dylan, and I used to go walking every night after work. Tonya and I would walk and Dylan would ride his bike or scooter. We laughed together and would enjoy our time hanging out with Dylan. Tonya helped me stay positive during a very difficult time in my life. I will never forget her spirit!

Rachel Schubert
Portland, Oregon


Tonya - Beautiful girl with an even more beautiful soul. You’re loved so much!
Cendry


Dylan,
I loved your mama so much. Like I told you, I lost my mom the same way! Now God has two very special angels and I want you to know they are always with us. Watch for the butterflies and pennies sweetheart.
Loving you always,
Mrs. Faye Bogle


Dylan and Mrs. Annie,
I just want you both to know that you mean the world to me and my family. Your family will forever be in our hearts, Mama always thought alot of Tonya and now they are once again joined together in heaven. Listen to the song by Beverly Mitchell called “Angel”. If you need, I have the CD.
Loving you aways,
Faye Brown Bogle


Dear, sweet, Dylan -
I love you and always will. Your momma made me a better person. Your momma is alive in my heart and always will be. I cherish our memories all together an look forward to more with you.
XOXO
Aunt Tiffany
(I am always here for you little guy.)


Dearest Dylan -
Your momma loved you more than life itself! Nothing will make her happier than watching you grow up in into a handsome, Christ-loving man, following your Savior in everything you do, every decision you make. She will be right beside you in every step your life takes you saying “That’s my little man, my wonderful gift from God, I love him so much and am so very proud of him.”
We love you so much dear one, dearest Dylan.
All our love,
Grandpa J and Grandma Kathy

From Bailey's

Dylan,
We thought it was important that you remember this. It was special to your mother.

Bailey's fine Jewelry ran a marketing promotion close to last Christmas where anyone could write to their business describing why they loved Bailey's Jewelry. If Bailey's chose your particular letter, they would publish the letter in an ad, do a photoshoot of you and give you $500. Tonya decided to write a letter and she won. Below is a picture of the Ad and what the ad reads.



The ad reads:

"Each bead will be with me forever, because each comes from him." - Tonya

"The first Christmas with just the two of us, Dylan was upset that there were no presents for me under the tree. So his grandmother took him shopping, and Carol at Bailey's helped him pick out some Pandora Beads and a bracelet. Christmas morning, you'd think the first thing a child would say is 'I want to open my presents,' But he insisted I open mine first. Now when he walks into Bailey's, Carol and the whole staff know him. He's very proud of it, and I'm very proud of Him. It's become a beautiful tradition."

From Kim Morrisette

Dylan,
My heart still aches when I think about what happened on April 22, 2011. I remember the phone call informing me of the wreck and the plea to pray for you and your mama. I prayed for you both throughout the rest of that day and into the early hours of the morning. With sobs and tears I laid on my bed and waited for the phone to ring with an update. I gave praise to the Lord that your mama, Tonya, was a follower of Christ and that regardless of what happened she would be safe in His arms. As I waited and prayed memories flooded my mind. The memories that I have of your mama are surrounded by her love of Christ, her love for others and the JOY that filled your home because of His redeeming love.

The first time I met y'all was when our church was meeting in the BCM. Your uncle Jason was leading worship that morning and y'all came to Integrity to visit since he and Beth were there. I knew your aunt and uncle from high school so there was an instant connection. They introduced me to Tonya and we hit it off right away. Y'all started coming to our life group and I LOVED getting to know her. She was such a fun woman and she wasn't afraid to share her story with others. She was hungry to study God's word and to grow. We started spending time with y'all outside of church and my kids loved both of you. Caleb has always loved playing with you and you were so kind and gracious to enjoy him even though he was almost three years younger. Tonya was like an aunt to Lydia and often times I thought of her like my own sister. Lydia affectionately referred to as "Tonja" and I think she secretly liked it:) Your mama loved Lydia to pieces. Lydia still tells me a few times a week that she misses Tonya and wishes she could give her another hug. Your mama and I had some of the best conversations that girlfriends could have . . . not just about clothes, photography or cooking. We talked about our relationships with Christ and our desire to live to honor Him daily in the midst of life. She loved you second only to Jesus and her heart longed to honor Him as she raised you.

We did both enjoy photography and going out to shoot together. She always had a natural eye with the camera and you were her favorite subject to photograph. I remember going to Sundays in the Park which were always fun no matter who was playing. I remember going on a girl date with her and Lydia while you, Caleb, Craig and Jake went to an ECU football game. I remember spending one New Year's Eve with her and Heidi Bell. We went to the Hilton to hear Matt's band ring in the New Year. We laughed alot together that night. You and my kids stayed at our house with my mama. We had a sleepover that night and enjoyed a slow morning together the next day. I will never forget the Christmas party two years ago for Integrity Church. Your mama and I sang karaoke and we were both scared to death! We sang "Lean on Me". We sang it loud and we sang it proud . . . and we both had fun doing it. It was the perfect song for our friendship at that time. We also had a Christmas baking night at my house that year. Remember that? Y'all were on your way here and your car ran out of gas? I had to come and bring you our gas can so you could make it to the gas station. We laughed so hard after it happened. You and my kids helped roll the peanut butter balls and dipped them in chocolate. It was a MESS but they sure were delicious. We also made Christmas cookies, peppermint bark, oreo balls and the list goes on. Your mama was always an awesome cook! She made the B.E.S.T. baked spaghetti I've ever tasted. I think it's the cup of sugar she added to the sauce;) One of my favorite memories of you and your mama was last summer when my dad was really sick. After a very long day at work y'all went to visit him at the hospital. She said y'all had a good time with him. She went a second day that week on her lunch break to visit. It meant the world to me. I didn't ask anyone to go and visit him - y'all just did it because you loved me. I'm crying now as I think back to the many acts of love and service that your mama gave to others. They were often quiet acts that were not done for show or recognition. Her heart genuinely loved others and wanted to serve them. I learned a lot by watching her sacrifice personal time and energy in the midst of being a single mom. I miss her dearly and wish we could have had one last conversation. Your mom was a special friend in my life. I loved her and I love you. I know that you admired her and will always think back on the many wonderful times you had together - just the two of you. May you always be drawn back to her love for Jesus and seek to know Him the way she did. I'll pray for you for years to come and I can't wait to hear where you are and what you are doing twenty years from now. If you're ever in Greenville and want a hot meal, a warm bed or some family time - please remember Kim and Craig Morrisette. We love you!

From Jake Sherron

Dylan, 

You're an important part of my life.  I’m thankful for the opportunity your mother gave me to spend time with you.  I consider your mother an excellent friend of mine.  I’m honored to have known her, and along with my wife Mitzi, will miss her greatly.  The memories we have with her bring smiles to our faces because she truly was a gift from God. 

Your mother has been a rare jewel in my life.  There aren’t many who’ve shown me such love and attention.  She was remarkable and took such care to invest in in my family’s life, that at times, it made us laugh.  In fact, while in college, Tonya made the observation that I had only four outfits.  Your mom, naturally caring for me, purchased new clothes for me to wear. The two of you (you were always by her side smiling) walked into church together with a bag full of brand new clothes for me!  She’d surprise me all the time with stuff like this!  

I felt safe around your mother because I knew she wanted the best for me and looked for ways to straighten me up.  She carried herself like this around most people.  She was an excellent mother to you and she was considered a motherly figure by many people. 

Your mother loved her church, Integrity.  You both came to Integrity in 2008.  Your mom was hungry for the word of God and eager to get involved in the church family.  Her personality was amazing and we all immediately were drawn to her.  She became a valuable member of the church because of who she was. She was excellent friends with most of the women and loved to learn about parenting. She was a very teachable person, and loved to learn from the Bible. She was trustworthy, we could trust her with anything.  The leaders could give her a responsibility and rest be assured that it would be done on time and with excellence. Your mother was a leader and a hard worker.  She took her responsibilities very seriously.  Most of all, we are going to miss your mother because she was a great friend to everyone.  As a church family, we will miss her deeply, but we know we will see her again because of what Christ did for her on the Cross. 

When people think of your mom, they immediately think of how great of a mother she was and the incredible love she showed you!  Dylan, you are her sweet peach, her life, her dinner date, her everything. I am very proud of you. You wouldn't be who you are without the love your mother has shown you.  I want you to consider how much your mom loved you.  And why she loved you. She loved you more than the average mom because Christ had loved her and had given her a new heart.  Her desire for you was that you’d grow into a man who loves Jesus and loves other people.  Your young, and my hope is you never forget the wonderful mom you had.  She would teach you to learn the Gospel and be transformed by God’s grace through Jesus, and out of your love for God, to learn from His word and love others as yourself because these are things she did because she she knew God had forgiven her through Christ. 

My prayer for you is that you would not grow angry towards God but would run to Him for He is the only place to run in difficult times.  You can miss your mother, it’s okay.  You can cry over her.  It’s okay to cry over someone so special.  She was a remarkable woman who was loved by Jesus, and because of that... loved others and especially you... Dylan.

The Bible says that angels stretch their necks out in order to gaze into the grace of God that he has shown believers.  Angels are jealous over what your mother is experiencing. She is in heaven with God.  Heaven is wonderful, not because of streets of gold or pearly gates.  Those things become boring after a while.  Heaven is heaven because God is there.  He is more beautiful than anything we could ever imagine.  He has taken Tonya to experience His presence forever, away from all sickness, sin, and frustration.  She is in paradise.  She is with God.  Your mom wants you to know that Jesus is better than life itself.  

Dylan, you’ll always be an important part of my life and I’m looking forward to seeing you grow into a man who understands his need of God’s transforming grace through His Son Jesus.  I will always miss your mom and I’m thankful to have known such a remarkable lady.  

Enjoy His Grace, 
Jake Sherron