Tonja Winette Pinckney

Tonja W. Pinckney was born Tonja W. Beals to the late Lillie Beals and Edward Williams on June 24, 1963 in Jersey City, NJ at the Margaret Hague Hospital. She was gifted to and raised by the late Edward and Ernestine Beals of Jersey City, NJ. Everyone who knew Tonja, knows she was a Daddy's girl. Tonja’s early education begin at P.S. 24 and P.S. 20 in Jersey City, NJ. She later attended Henry Snyder H.S. of Jersey City, NJ and then transferred to  East Orange H.S. in East Orange, NJ.  She graduated with a degree in Medical Technology from Empire Technical College in East Orange, NJ. Tonja was a diligent worker who often held multiple jobs at a time. Her longest career was with Wood Business Dining Service headquartered at the Bell South building in Newark, NJ. There she began as a cashier and worked her way up to Food Service Director who managed a secondary location in Irvington, NJ.  Tonja relocated to Miami, FL in 1996 where she worked for Miami-Dade Community College as a Student Development Administrator and was later promoted to the Department's Office Secretary. Tonja married Constantine Pinckney in 1997. After several years in Miami, FL, Tonja made a life decision to move closer to family and this brought her to Laurinburg, NC.  Once in Laurinburg she secured employment with Southeastern Regional Mental Health where she remained until early retirement in 2006. After retirement Tonja continued to work as a primary child care provider for many of her grandchildren. Tonja became an active member of First Baptist Church of Carolina park in 2008. There she made use of her talents as an event planner and made bonds of friendship.  
 
Tonja’s greatest moments were shared with her family as she cherished their closeness. Every family member held a special place in her heart and she built and nurtured relationships with them all. Tonja leaves behind her husband Constantine Pinckney. Left to continue her legacy of unconditional love and kindness: her children; Shakara Beals, Latasha Beals David (Kenneth David) and Fahkirah Simons (Quentin Crosby) all of Laurinburg, NC. Her beloved brothers and sisters: Edward Beals, Joseph Beals, Eugene Beals, Darron Beals, Deforest Beals, Patrick Sanford, Glenn Looper, Deborah Beals, Eileen Pinckney, Lenett Hawkins and Crystal Hunter. Her pride and joy grandchildren: A’jana Anderson, Xavier Crosby, Zy’kia Bittle, Nevaeh Bittle, Shontavia Crosby, Taleicia Beals, Xavion Crosby, Arianna Crosby, Alisha Anderson and Albert Anderson Jr. Her great grandchildren:  Ahlyria Ratley, Zamir and Zamari Anderson. In-Laws: Cathy Beals, Jewel Beals, Robin Beals, Felicia Beals, Lois Sanford, Beverly Looper, Joseph Pinckney and Calvin Hunter. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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