Tonya Denise "Neesie" Oliver of Winston-Salem, North Carolina transitioned on July 29, 2022, after her illness. Tonya was born on August 1, 1971, to the late Ervin Oliver and Rose Simpson Gist. In addition to her grandparents and father, Tonya was preceded in death by her son Solomon Johnson.


Tonya was a graduate of North Forsyth High School and enjoyed a long career as the Owner and Operator of "Perfection Child Care". Later in life she continued to express her love for kids by becoming a foster parent to several children. She also worked many years with Time Warner Cable, before transferring to Pepsi Co.


Tonya was strong and bold, with adventures extending to moving to and living in Hurghada, Egypt and Kitengela, Kenya. She enjoyed reading, shopping, and spoiling her nieces and nephews. Tonya love traveling and trying new types of food dishes. She could be found setting up gathers and being in the kitchen cooking. She was known for always inspiring and encouraging others to take advantage of opportunities or embark on new endeavors.


To cherish her loving memory is her mother, Rose Simpson Gist of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; brother, Sherman (Walricka) Oliver of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sisters, Garriel Oliver of Greensboro, North Carolina; Roselyn Clark of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Aunt, Joyce (Roosevelt) Brooks of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Uncles, Earl Simpson Jr. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Jessie (Sylvia) Simpson of New Orleans, Louisiana ; Timothy (Michelle) Simpson of Greensboro, North Carolina; Norvell Simpson; Harry Lee (Shelia) Simpson both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; nieces Dayuanna Poindexter-Oliver, Madison McDaniel, the Late Shamira Lennon, Shakira Lennon, Savonna Oliver, Lauryn Allison; nephews, Marceo Keith McDaniel Jr., Da'Quan Poindexter, Khalil Smith, Sherman Oliver II, Isiah Allison all of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

A Service of Celebration will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel, 3001 Old Greensboro Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Burial will follow at Clement Grove Church Cemetery, Mocksville, North Carolina. Public viewing will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Facial coverings and/or masks are required for the services.