Tonya Yvonne Vinson was born to Pastor Gwathaney and Sandra Leak on March 1, 1971 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. On November 5, 2017 the Lord called his faithful loving servant home.

Tonya was saved and early age and spent her childhood helping her parents in ministry.

Tonya devoted her life to teaching English and Art to middle school and high school age children. After graduating from Parkland High School in Winston Salem, NC, she pursued a higher education at East Carolina University and Winston Salem State University. Shortly after graduating cum laude with her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1994 she began her teaching career at Reynolds High School. She taught hundreds of students at Moore Square Magnet Middle School and Southeast Raleigh High School as an English and Art teacher. Tonya left a profound influence on every school where she taught. On the first day school she always told her students "No one fails in my class." Tonya's philosophy to teaching was to work in place where she could be of the greatest influence.

In 1991, she met the love of her life, Richard Del Vinson at Winston Salem University. They were inseparable and decided to spend the rest of their lives together on December 9, 1994. For Del, Tonya was not only the love of his life but also his best friend who, he believes, made him a better man.  From their union two very handsome, intelligent, and athletic sons were born Chandler (22) and Carson (15). Tonya was a phenomenal mom. She attended every football game and track meet and made sure her boys knew that she was in the crowd.

Tonya was beautiful inside out. She was beloved and admired by her family and friends.

Not only was Tonya a great art teacher but she was artist. Her art will be honored and recognized by the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) on November 16, 2017.

Tonya has left a profound legacy in the hearts of every that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She leaves to cherish her love, soulmate and husband, Richard Del Vinson, IV; two sons, Chandler and Carson; her parents, Pastor Gwathaney Leak and Sandra Leak of Winston Salem, NC; her brother, Gwathaney (Keisha) Leak, Jr.; and host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 10, 2017 at First Waughtown Baptist Church with Pastor Gwathaney Leak officiating and Pastor Gwathaney Leak, Sr. eulogist.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.