Tonya Horton Ray

July 5, 1973-February 4, 2026

Tonya Horton Ray, 52, of Thorsby, Alabama went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2026.

Tonya was born July 5, 1973, in Clanton, Alabama, the daughter of Elton and Joyce (Faye) Horton.

Tonya married Kevin Ray on June 12, 1993. They have two beloved sons, Trent (Hannah) and Grayson Ray, and two incredibly special and irreplaceable granddaughters, Marlee and Mallory Ray to whom she is lovingly known as Nonnie. Tonya is also survived by her sister, Christy Higgins, with whom she held such a close relationship, traveling through this journey of life; nephews Dylan (Summer) Higgins, Brock (Hannah) Higgins, and Israel Higgins; great-nephew Dax Higgins; special uncle Neil Williams; godchild, Katie Robinson Johnson.

Tonya was such a fighter and a witness to others going through the trials and the treatment of cancer. Throughout her illness, she never lost her faith, knowing The Lord was walking beside her and carrying her through her most challenging times. Just like the chorus of a hymn dear to her, “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”

A kindhearted person, Tonya was a servant to all she came in contact with. This is evident through her devotion and support of her family, her church, and community. Firstly, she wanted to live a life that demonstrated her love for God through her actions and to be a witness for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Pates Chapel Baptist Church for almost 40 years, serving as a Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher, AWANA children’s ministry teacher and leader, and the church secretary and clerk for multiple years. She loved God and wanted to express her love by serving in her church- especially when it came to children.

The community where she lived also was a vital part of her life. She served on the Town Council of Thorsby from 2022-2025. She took this role very seriously and served on committees and participated in projects during that time. Her goal was to make Thorsby shine for its residents and neighboring communities.

Tonya was also a business person. She and her husband, Kevin, started Compressor Service & Parts in 2007. She managed the administration component of the business, and their company continues to flourish and grow. She in addition has been a Mary Kay Consultant since 1996.

Tonya would share that her greatest accomplishment was being Mom to her two boys and wife to Kevin. Family meant everything to her, and teaching them to love the Lord, and His love for them was always her priority. She gave whole-heartedly to each of them and loved them so deeply.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Reverend Jimmy Joe Horton and Vera Mae Horton, Floyd Porter, and Bernice Burnette; brother-in-law, Randall Higgins; Aunt, Jeanette Porter Williams; Aunt Donna Porter Smith and Uncle, Jimmy Smith.

“God is within Her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 A.M .at Pates Chapel Baptist Church, Jemison, Alabama, with Reverend Gary Jones officiating and friend, Dwayne Hughes. Celebrate and honor a life lived by Tonya Horton Ray.

The family will receive friends 9:30 A.M. - 11:00, prior to the service at the church.

Burial will follow in the Pates Chapel Baptist Cemetery, Jemison, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries https://www.alabamachild.org/give .