Tonya Marie Bell passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 56, surrounded by her loving family while in hospice care. She courageously lived with heart disease from the young age of five.
Born on July 4, 1969, to Claude Bell Sr. and Eunice (Nelson) Bell, Tonya was the oldest of two children and grew up in Joliet, Illinois. She attended Forest Park Elementary School, Taft Elementary School, Hufford Junior High School, and graduated from Joliet Central High School. Driven by a passion for helping others, she earned her CNA certification and dedicated 25 years to a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her work in healthcare allowed her to serve alongside family members and touched many lives through her strong work ethic and caring spirit. She was previously employed at Certified Warehouse Foods of Joliet, Sunny Hill Nursing Home, Walmart, Empress Casino, River Valley Juvenile Center, Stateville Correctional Center, and the State of Illinois BOI.
In her spare time, Tonya found joy in baking, crafting, and donating to those in need, but she cherished most the moments spent with her family and friends.
Tonya was preceded in death by her father, Claude Bell Sr., her great-niece, and her beloved grandparents. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Perry (Breanna) Adams; her brothers, Claude (Jeff) Bell Jr. (Maluhia) and Courtney Bell of Arizona; her sister, Tamika (Mike) Givens; and her loving mother, Carolyn Perry. She was a proud grandmother to Kelin Sharp-Mays Jr., Ki'Yan Adams, Payton Adams, and Brennon Adams. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and dear friends who will continue to hold her memory close. Special thanks are extended to her lifesaving friend, Cedric Foster, for his kindness and support, and to Eunice (Larry) for the love and guidance she provided from Tonya’s early days.
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