Tonda Leigh Rawls, 51, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 1, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Tonda was a graduate of Hixson High School. She earned a certificate in Surgical Technology from Chattanooga State Community College. She worked at Memorial Hospital and Erlanger East Labor and Delivery.
Tonda was an accomplished businesswoman. In her early twenties, she opened Tonda’s Bridal, a bridal gown boutique and formalwear business in Hixson. After dedicating time to be a full-time mother and church volunteer, Tonda attended International College of Arts and Beauty and became a licensed esthetician. Uptown Lash Bar was the second business she ran independently, until early 2021.
Tonda was an active member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Signal Mountain. She served as a member of the vestry, Eucharistic Visitors’ ministry, church thrift store volunteer, and was twice President of the Women of St. Timothy’s, helping plan the annual women’s retreat. She was also a member of the Parish Life Committee.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church with The Revs. Derrick Hill and Taylor Dinsmore co-officiating. Internment of her ashes will be held in The Memorial Garden at St. Timothy’s following the service. A brief outside visitation will be held following the internment.
The family would like to thank the following for the incredible support and care shown to both them and Tonda during the last weeks: Hearth Hospice, the staff and members at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, especially The Reverend Derrick Hill, The Reverend Taylor Dinsmore, and the ladies in the St. Timothy’s meal ministry. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the friends and loved ones that visited, and brought food and flowers.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Thomas Rawls, son, Jack Rawls, daughter, Madison Rawls, her parents, Lloyd and Lois Jackson, Hixson, along with her brothers,Derrell (Kim) Jackson, Suffolk, Va., Jaime (Ginger) Jackson, Panama City Beach, Fl., She was also the loving aunt of six nieces and three great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to: St. Timothy’s Church of Signal Mountain, Tn., 630 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377 or the American Cancer Society-Chattanooga, 6221 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, Tn., 37421
Arrangements are by Cremation Center of Chattanooga 1345 Hickory Valley Road, 423 362-5999.