Tonya Jane Chronister
Tonya Jane Chronister of Fort Smith, Arkansas (formerly of Heavener) was born Sept. 10, 1963 in Poteau to James “Jim” and Sylvia (Summers) Chronister and passed away Nov. 1, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her siblings by her side at the age of 61.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Friday at Family Praise and Worship Center in Heavener with Reverend Donald Benefield officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Tonya was raised in Heavener with her sister Sonya Chronister, brother Butch Chronister and sister Darla Chronister. She was known affectionately as the protector. Tonya also attended Westark College in Fort Smith and competed in the Miss Westark beauty pageant. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in May, 1995 with a Master’s Degree with honors in Zoology and Biology. She also won The Davis M. Causey Award for Outstanding Junior in Zoology. Tonya was little in size, but huge in heart. She was passionate about animals, especially dogs. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. Tonya did not have children of her own, but often referred to her baby sister’s “kiddos” as her own. She enjoyed the summer months and sunshine. Tonya talked of a trip to Florida and being bit by the beach bug. She was an avid Hogs football, baseball, and basketball fan. Tonya will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, James W. Robb, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her parents Jim and Sylvia Chronister of Heavener; her siblings Sonya Chronister of Poteau, Butch Chronister and wife Bea of Heavener, and Darla Chronister of Poteau; eight nephews and one niece Chris Davis of Poteau, Jeremy Davis and Abby of Poteau, Marcus Skelton and Erica of Oklahoma City, Cynthia Chronister of Heavener, Levi Chronister and Jennifer, both of Heavener, Eric Chronister and Brandi of Poteau, Brice Washington and Samantha of Shady Point, Lane Washington and Harmoney of Panama City Beach, Florida, and Isaiah Washington and Kayleana of Panama City Beach, Florida; her dog, Chloe; family and friends; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Walter and Mary Chronister and maternal grandparents, William and Dessie Summers.
To sign Tonya’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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